Chapter 31: Programming with the HTTP Server

Modern applications make increasing use of Web- and browser-based applications. The iSeries may have its roots in the green screen 5250 interface, but this constantly evolving system has great support for these modern graphical interfaces. Web applications are relatively new, and they evolve quickly. The applications and techniques in use today may be obsolete in just a few years. This chapter focuses on the most basic and common techniques for accessing iSeries data through browser-based applications.

HTTP Server

The HTTP Server is the foundation of most Web applications. Even applications that make use of relatively complex features such as Active Server Pages, or Java Server Pages, still use the HTTP Server. What is an HTTP Server? It is a program that communicates with other computers through TCP/IP port 80. The program processes streams of data formatted to the Hyper Text Transport Protocol (HTTP).

Tip 

You can learn more about HTTP Servers at http://www.httpd.apache.org and http://www.-1.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/software/http/services/service.htm.