Introduction

This tutorial teaches you how to convert the DDS screens in an existing 5250 order entry application to a Web browser user interface. While creating a browser user interface, you will learn how to use the IBM(R) WebFacing Tool. You will also learn how to customize the output of the conversion process using the IBM WebFacing Tool and the CODE Designer. Next, you will learn how to run the WebFacing application in the WebSphere(R) Test Environment that is part of the product. You will also learn how to use Page Designer to customize the application start page and you will learn how to publish and deploy your WebFacing application to a remote WebSphere Application Server (this is an optional module).

Prerequisites

In order to complete this tutorial end to end, you should already have working knowledge of the following:

It is also useful, but not necessary, for you to have basic knowledge of the following:

Time required

To complete the modules of this tutorial, you will need approximately 3 hours.

Learning objectives

This tutorial is divided into twelve modules, each with its own learning objectives. You can choose to complete one or all of the modules. Each module contains several exercises that must be completed in order for the tutorial to work properly.

Module 1. Reviewing the 5250 order entry application teaches you about the 5250 order entry application before you start and use the WebFacing Tool to convert it. In this module, you will:

Module 2. Creating the WebFacing project teaches you how to create a WebFacing project. In this module, you will:

Module 3. Converting selected source members teaches you how to convert one or more DDS and UIM files. In this module, you will:

Module 4. Running the WebFacing application teaches you how to run the Web application in the WebSphere Test Environment. In this module, you will:

Module 5. Changing the user interface teaches you how to change certain aspects of the user interface related to the conversion process. In this module, you will:

Module 6. Changing the style of the Web user interface teaches you how to create a new style, change style settings, specify the new style to be used for the project and refresh the project with the new style. In this module, you will:

Module 7. Adding command key rules and labels teaches you how to add your own command key recognition rules to the WebFacing conversion properties. In this module, you will:

Module 8. Working with more style properties teaches you how to apply changes to windows, the look of push buttons, and subfiles. In this module, you will:

Module 9. Customizing the default style teaches you how to customize that style, updating the look and feel for a fictional company. In this module, you will:

Module 10. Adding authentication teaches you how to secure your application by forcing authentication before the application is called. In this module, you will:

Module 11. Enhancing index.jsp page teaches you how to take the plain index.jsp page generated by the WebFacing Tool and add color and some pictures to make the input page of the Web application more interesting. In this module, you will:

Module 12. (Optional) Exporting to iSeries WebSphere Application Server Express 6 teaches you how to export files created by the WebFacing Tool to a remote WebSphere Application Server, to publish and deploy your application as you would when your application is ready for production. In this module, you will:

When you are ready, begin Module 1. Reviewing the 5250 order entry application.