IBM i developers looking for a tool to rapidly develop either RPG or PHP desktop or mobile web applications will be delighted with the new features released in version 10.5 of WebSmart.
The IBM i is now a much more open platform than it was even two years ago, providing an excellent system to deliver fully functional modern and innovative solutions. Version 10.5 now enables PHP applications to be developed over the DB2 database on the IBM i using Zend Framework 2 templates. These templates are based on a Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture.
Zend has a long-standing relationship with IBM i – every edition is shipped with a copy Zend Server, which offers organisations an enterprise-class application platform for PHP. Further information on Zend’s IBM ‘ solutions can be found here.
BCD, now Fresche Solutions, has produced a useful webinar on leveraging IBM I resources in PHP development. The webinar features Mike Pavlak from Zend and is available on-demand.
An HTML Validation Engine is also included in version 10.5, which validates HTNL5 in your HTML segments. The Engine can help identify and fix syntax errors more effectively. WebSmart 10.5 also features an empty composite document, which improves the organisation of projects by opening and closing associated files and programs. BCD Software says, for example:
“you can automatically open or close CSS/JavaScript files when you open or close a PDW/PHW. You can also open and close programs (like non-CGI WebSmart programs) with the program that calls them”.
Other features include:
- The ability to declare a UCS-2 field for improved multilingual support
- Custom jQuery user interface (UI) themes are more compatible out-of-the-box
- WebSmart PHP debugger now supports PHP 5.4 and 5.5.
Posted by Paul on 26th September 2014.