Preface to the Fourth Edition

The AS/400 Primer was originally written by Ernie Malaga to provide programmers and operations personnel with an overall appreciation and understanding of the AS/400, from a "big picture" perspective. For many years, the book has served its purpose well, helping many people along the way.

When it was time for the AS/400 Primer book to be "refreshed," Doug Pence and Ron Hawkins took on the task of enhancing what Ernie had started. They did a great job of building on his solid foundation.

Time marches on and the AS/400 has morphed into the i5. And so it's time for another update to this useful book. We have done our best to continue the traditions of those who have contributed to this work in the past, by providing useful practical guidance that helps you sort your way through the myriad options provided by the ever expanding i5 Server.

This book now reflects i5/OS as of V5. Along with the updates, we added additional chapters on SQL, Java, iSeries Navigator, Client Access, and Web Programming. We believe that using i5 as a server for the Internet will be instrumental in determining the overall future of its success.

It is with a sad heart that we report that Ernie passed away in 2004. We owe a debt of gratitude to him, as well as to Doug and Ron for their work that provided valuable help for countless readers…and we are proud to be a part of this book's heritage. We hope that you will find it informative and useful in your day-to-day endeavors.

—Kevin Forsythe and Ted Holt