Connect to AS400 using .NET

Question

I am trying to build a .NET web application using SQL to query AS400 database. This is my first time encountering the AS400.

What do I have to install on my machine (or the AS400 server) in order to connect? (IBM iSeries Access for Windows ??)

What are the components of the connection string?

Where can I find sample codes on building the Data Access Layer using SQL commands?

Thanks.

Answer 1

You need the AS400 .Net data provider. Check here: https://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T1027163

For connection string samples, check here: https://www.connectionstrings.com/as-400/

Also, check out the redbook for code examples and getting started. http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks/pdfs/sg246440.pdf

Answer 2

Following is what I did to resolve the issue.

Installed the IBM i Access for Windows. Not free

Referred the following dlls in the project

• IBM.Data.DB2.iSeries.dll
• Interop.cwbx.dll (If Data Queue used)
• Interop.AD400.dll (If Data Queue used)

Data Access

  using (iDB2Command command = new iDB2Command())         {             command.Connection = (iDB2Connection)_connection;             command.CommandType = CommandType.Text;             command.Parameters.AddWithValue(Constants.ParamInterfaceTransactionNo, 1);             command.CommandText = dynamicInsertString;             command.ExecuteScalar();         } 

Connection String

<add name="InterfaceConnection"  connectionString="Data Source=myserver.mycompany.com;User ID=idbname;Password=mypassxxx; Default Collection=ASIPTA;Naming=System"/> 

UPDATE

i Access for Windows on operating systems beyond Windows 8.1 may not be supported. Try the replacement product IBM i Access Client Solutions

IBM i Access Client Solutions