Exercise 6.2: Creating a library filter

Before you begin, you must complete Exercise 6.1: More about the Remote System Explorer.

In the Remote System Explorer perspective, you now need to get to the iSeries objects you want to work with.

In the previous modules you have worked with the Library list. Now you will create your own library filter. Library filters list a set of libraries from your iSeries system in the Remote Systems view. But first let's understand what filters are all about.

Filters allow you to easily organize elements within your system. You use the filter function to list iSeries native file system objects (such as libraries, objects, or members).
Work with libraries

To create a library filter:

  1. In the Remote Systems view expand the connection that connects to your iSeries system if its not already expanded.
  2. Expand iSeries Objects if its not already expanded.
  3. Expand Work with Libraries. (You can also right-click iSeries Objects and click New > Library Filter on the pop-up menu).

    Expanding Work with libraries corresponds to the WRKLIBPDM command, plus creates the filter in the Remote Systems view.

    The Create a new iSeries library filter page opens:
    Library filter

    You are going to create a filter to specify the libraries you want to work with, so they will show in iSeries Objects. You want to create a filter that shows all libraries on the iSeries with the name RSExxxxxx and VARxxxxxxx, xxx being any character.

    Note:
    You may need to select different libraries that appear on your system if libraries with the above names do not exist.

    You specify the first filter string that selects the libraries starting with RSE.

  4. Type RSE* into the Library field, using the * wild card character.
  5. Click Next.

    The Name the new filter page opens.
    Library filter

    Note:
    You can choose between creating the filter for all connections or for this specific one only.
  6. In the Filter name field, type All RSE and VARPG libraries.

    You give your filters a name because the Remote System Explorer saves them for future use, unlike PDM, which does not save filters.

  7. Click Finish.

    Back in the Remote Systems view under iSeries Objects you will see the new filter expanded, listing all RSE* libraries.

    Now you need to add the VARPG libraries.

Changing the library filter

To change the library filter:

  1. Right-click the filter All RSE and VARPG libraries and click Change.
    Select the Change option

    The Change Library Filter window opens.
    Add second filter string

  2. Select New filter string from the Filter strings list.
  3. In the Library field, type VAR*.
  4. Click Create.

    The VAR* filter string is added to the list.

  5. Click OK.

    You are now back in the Remote Systems view.
    Expanded filter
    You will see the list expanded to include your filter. Now you can work with the libraries directly and can drill down to the object you want to work with.

You have created a filter to show a specific iSeries library and changed that filter to add more iSeries libraries and you are ready to begin Exercise 6.3: Creating an object filter.