If I had a need for this functionality I would be saying to myself: "WTF
the author left me hanging with this example. I can already do nice looking
RPG to synthesize CGI fields. I want PDF"
I appreciate the feedback. But I'm flummoxed by it. What do you mean by
"synthesize CGI fields."?
In regards to your statement "I want PDF", that's what the program gives
you. Let me re-extend my invitation to read the article:
https://rd.radile.com/rdweb/info2/ibmiui19.html
And to test form-input and PDF generation:
https://rd.radile.com/rdweb/info3/iui19/tabs.html
If you failed to try the form-input and PDF generation, that would also
explain your cajoling me to write a part 2.
This is the only solution I'm aware of which meets the requirement from the
original thread to generate PDFs from RPG programs and provide input
capability.
Web form input is arguably a better solution than input via Adobe Reader
because web forms:
1. May include semi-transparent placeholders as input prompts.
2. May provide field validation and feedback.
3. May avoid dual data entry, assuming that input need to be eventually
added to a database - otherwise why require it?
My guess is that 95% of interactive PDF forms could be replaced by
solutions like this - which would be an improvement.
My wife provides constituent services in a US congressional office. Federal
agencies require a "privacy release form" before congressional offices can
intervene on behalf of constituents. After constituents fill out forms,
congressional offices must re-key the information into their case
management system. Web forms paired with PDF generation would be a better
alternative. Same is true for the Visa application cited in the previous
discussion.
We generate 120+ PDF reports in our student information system using this
technology. I wrote about it in Part 13-14 of my IBM i UI Modernization
series, in addition to Part 19.
https://rd.radile.com/rdweb/info2/ibmiuix.html
midrange.com
