COMMON POWERUp 2026

Since its introduction 30 years ago, JavaScript has fast become the most prominent programming language on the Internet. You would be hard-pressed to find a single page on the web today that does not employ some amount of JavaScript code. Learning JavaScript, along with basic HTML and CSS concepts, should thus be at the top of the to-do list for every RPG developer looking to get started with serious web development. This session serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of the JavaScript language, drawing comparisons to coding concepts that should be familiar to all RPG programmers. No prior experience with web development is assumed. Topics to be covered include basic variable declaration, comparison & assignment operators, conditional statements, arrays, loops and functions -- all of which will be directly compared to their RPG equivalents. The instructor will demonstrate how you can practice these basic JavaScript concepts on your own using console tools inside the Google Chrome browser, and provide suggestions for further study of the language.

Learning Objectives:

• Know how to code and test blocks of JavaScript inside their own browser (specifically, we'll look at the DevTools inside Google Chrome) • Understand the differences and similarities between JavaScript and RPG • Know where to go for further study of the language and what to focus on learning first

IBM i offers a wide array of SQL services to allow programmers to interact with database and system resources. In today’s modern SQL world, SQL can replace coding to many APIs, all while being more flexible and easier to use. This session will cover a wide variety of powerful SQL services, including how to view and manage data areas and data queues, an example of interacting with IFS files, running CL commands from SQL, and much more.

Learning Objectives:

`- Learn how to manage data queues and data areas with SQL - Learn to read/write from IFS files with SQL - Learn strategies for debugging SQL procedures and functions - Learn how to develop more efficiently with the help of SQL services (SPLIT, SEND_EMAIL, SPOOLED_FILE_DATA, QCMDEXC, RELATED_OBJECTS)

The speaker's insights into running AI workloads on Power. Some history of how the Power approach to Machine Learning, Large Language Models, and Transformers evolved up to Power 11 and Spyre.

Learning Objectives:

1. Python libraries for AI on Power 2. CPU/MMA support for AI on Power 3. Spyre on Power

Node.js empowers IBM i developers to build modern web services and APIs, leveraging a vast ecosystem of ready-to-use packages via npm (Node Package Manager). This session introduces Node.js through an RPG perspective, demonstrating a simple web service that queries a physical file on IBM i using the idb-connector module and serves JSON data to a browser. The instructor will showcase Node.js basics, compare them to RPG concepts like subprocedures and file operations, and deploy the service on IBM i. No prior Node.js experience is required, but it would be helpful to have a basic understanding of JavaScript (as covered in the preceding JavaScript 101 session). Topics for this session will include Node.js setup, modules, asynchronous programming, Express.js for web services, the benefits of npm’s extensive package repository, and deployment steps. Attendees will receive a handout with code, setup instructions, and resources for further study.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Node.js, its relevance for RPG developers, and the power of npm’s vast library of packages for rapid development. • Learn how to use idb-connector to access IBM i database tables and serve data via a web service. • Gain insights into Node.js setup, coding, and deployment on IBM i, with resources for continued learning.

In this session we will put Project Bob to work. We will do a live demo of Project Bob, how the powerful interaction between the developer and the AI tooling can help you solve problems, gain insight and understanding that was not possible in the past. We will explore several user cases on how Project Bob can be leverage by the Architect as well as the core programmer.

Learning Objectives:

Project Bob

Open source software brings innovation, flexibility, and modern development tools to IBM i, but also new security responsibilities. In this session, Alan Seiden explains how to keep your IBM i environment safe while benefiting from open technologies. You’ll learn how to assess and strengthen your open source supply chain, including precautions for VS Code extensions and lessons from recent Node.js npm attacks. Alan will share practical guidance on patching and updating PHP and other open source components, defending against denial-of-service threats, and applying IBM i-specific measures and permissions. The session includes some of the latest developments in web and application security that every IBM i administrator and developer should understand to protect today’s connected systems.

Learning Objectives:

`- Evaluate and strengthen the open source supply chain. - Apply practical security measures for open source technologies on IBM i - Implement IBM i-specific hardening techniques

The definition of "DevOps" has changed tremendously over the last few years; no longer is it simple Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), but rather an interwoven process that begins with the typical Compile/Debug/Edit cycle, but that now also leverages Artificial Intelligence; Testing and Security steps that many supposed DevOps adopters are ignoring; and then and only then does it move to traditional CI/CD.

Learning Objectives:

Understand what terms like "DevOps" and "DevSecOps" really mean. Learn how to leverage new AI tools like GitHub Copilot as part of the development process. Reinforce how important Testing and Security are to DevSecOps.

Valence, the leading web and mobile framework for IBM i, is getting even smarter. In this fast-paced demo, we’ll show you how Nitro App Builder (NAB) — Valence’s browser-based low-code development tool — enables anyone with solid IBM i database knowledge to build and deploy modern web or mobile apps in minutes. But that’s just the beginning. You’ll get an exclusive sneak peek at Valence 6.4, featuring powerful new IBM i–centric AI capabilities designed to accelerate development like never before. With the integrated AI assistant, you can:

• Instantly generate app components
• Build dashboards and inquiry apps with download-to-Excel functionality
• Create intuitive data entry apps
• Even generate RPG or SQL logic with AI assistance

No coding required — but fully extensible for developers who want it. Whether you're a seasoned RPG developer, a super user who knows your physical files inside and out, or a programmer comfortable with HTML5 and JavaScript, Valence adapts to your skill level. And now with AI integrated directly into the development experience, much of the heavy lifting can be done for you. The bottom line?
You can build real, production-ready IBM i web apps — fast. Join us for a live demo of Valence 6.4, see AI in action on IBM i.

When you need to connect IBM i to other systems, you face overwhelming choices. APIs, web services, message queues, file transfers, EDI, database replication... the list goes on. How do you choose? This session cuts through the confusion with practical guidance. You'll learn the fundamental patterns behind all integration approaches, understand the tradeoffs between different options, and see when each approach makes sense. We'll cover what questions to ask vendors, what red flags to watch for, and what matters versus what's just marketing hype. You'll see real examples of successful integrations using different approaches and learn from failures too. We'll discuss security basics everyone should understand, performance considerations that actually matter, and how to plan for growth. Whether you're evaluating vendor solutions, building integrations yourself, or just trying to understand what your options are, you'll leave with practical knowledge to make better decisions.