Joe Pluta writes:
<Sure, but the generated JavaScript is just JavaScript., and that's as
<open as you get. I wouldn't want to maintain the generated code, but
<that would only happen if EGL tanks. Since EGL is not i-specific, I'd
<say it's got a better chance than, say, Zend PHP for the i.
Jut to be clear, folks.
Zend Core for IBM i contains the same PHP that EVERY other platform uses
for PHP which is based at php.net. It contains the same code base for
distribution and therefore, all the PHP code is 100% portable with the
exception of the functions that access the PHP toolkit features of IBM
i. And that can be had from another vendor for a very small price if
you really need it. If you ever have a question about what IS portable
simple check out the online manual at php.net as all of the PHP
functions are well documented there. Not sure how EGL has a better
chance than PHP as PHP has about 1/3 of the internet and 5 million+
developers under its belt, but I applaud Joe's enthusiasm! I know Joe
was only using PHP as a small example but I couldn't let it go with only
a passing glance <smile>
Zend Core for IBM i is simply a supported distribution with a better
optimizer than the base PHP code base and the additional support for IBM
i functions. So Zend is to PHP what Red Hat is to Linux. We don't own
the standard, but like IBM with Eclipse, Zend invests heavily by
contributing to the open course project of PHP, Zend Framework and PDT
so all those who use PHP, regardless of platform, can benefit.
While portability does not appear to be the number one priority for my
customers I do see a genuine interest in the ability to move the code
base should "something" happen to IBM i like another name change or
homogenization with System z. Rest assured that you can get as simple
or as abstract as you want with PHP. There are many PHP frameworks out
there besides Zend Framework that are also portable and will run on IBM
i.
The next generation of the PHP distribution, Zend Server, is available
as a beta for IBM i and has been around the LAMP/WAMP world for nearly a
year. It is well worth the time to check it out. And yes, the product
in its CE model is still available for the low-low price of NOTHING on
all platforms! What are you waiting for?
Happy Ho-Ho!
Mike
mike.p@xxxxxxxx Cell: (408)679-1011 Office: (815)722-3454
Zend Server for IBM i Beta avilable at
http://www.zend.com/en/products/server/zend-server-5-new-ibmi
midrange.com
