Welcome to another edition of Talsco Weekly

Development: How Can You Install a Pre-Release Version of Python? – Real Python. Top Programming Languages in 2022. The most popular Javascript Data Grid Libraries.
Open Source: Want to dive into Apache Kafa?
Leadership: How to organize for an Innovative Culture.

Development

How Can You Install a Pre-Release Version of Python? – Real Python

We are seeing many IBM i shops leverage Python for a variety of reasons.

“Python is essential to many people’s workflows and companies’ infrastructures. Therefore, the community must thoroughly test new Python versions before the stable release. You use Python differently from anyone else and may be able to reveal a bug that no one else has discovered. Installing a pre-release version of Python and playing with it is valuable to the ecosystem. Plus, it’s fun!”

Top Programming Languages in 2022

There are no shortages of Top Programming Lists out there.

I think what’s interesting is the top programming languages for IBM i overlap with what you will see in this list that targets Electrical Engineers. By the way, Python and SQL are in the number one and two spots.

Or this list of the “best languages for Data Analytics.”

“Python and Javascript” are at the top of this list.

Bottom line, gone are the days where RPG is the only language for the IBM i.

“While there exist numerous data grid libraries with similar features out in the world, not all may adequately fit your business and app use cases. When choosing a suitable data grid library for your application, you must consider its feature set, performance, price, license, and support, among other factors.”

This article touches on the most popular data grid libraries that can be used for a data-heavy application.

What is a data grid?

A “data grid is a table component that usually loads, presents, and manipulates a large data set.”

They “extended functionality like data filtering, sorting, selection, streaming, aggregation, highly configurable columns and rows, and so on to help users better read and handle the massive dataset.”

Use Cases

Simple tables
KPI Dashboards
Financial Dashboards
Inventory Management Systems

Here are 12 of the most popular and easy-to-use grid libraries.

Summary:

“Data grids are essential in developing any modern SaaS or internal business-critical applications.”

How easy would it be to leverage Javascript and a data grid library to bring life to your RPG applications?

Open Source

Want to dive into Apache Kafa?

The IBM i training circuit is heating up.

IBM i developers who are curious to learn RPG and connect it to open source technologies might want to check out Jesse Gorzinski’s work.

Jesse Gorzinski, works for the IBM i Development Lab in Rochester, MN. He is the “Business Architect” of open source technologies.

He’s a big proponent of extending the reach of RPG applications through open-source technologies. In particular, how to connect RPG and DB2 to open source technologies and applications.

If you happen to live in the Milwaukee, WI area, you might want to check out his training this week at the WMCPA User Group meeting.

What is Apache Kafka?

“Apache Kafka, the open source streaming technology behind some of the most popular real-time, event-driven user experiences on the web, including AirBnB, Netflix, and Pinterest.”

You can learn more about Kafka on IBM’s site and at Kafka.

Leadership

How to organize for an Innovative Culture

“Business leaders struggle to build a company that stands the test of time and remains effective no matter what the change. They must organize for innovative culture.”

Thought: The IBM i has stood the test of time. It is designed for innovation.

As you read this article, think about how it applies to building a innovative culture within your IBM i shop.

IBM i “leaders play an essential role in setting the direction and strategy for their department.” They need to understand both the past and future capabilities of the platform.

Here are 4 ways to build an innovative culture.

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Contact us

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