1. If necessary, familiarize yourself with Informix software and documentation (see "Becoming Familiar with Informix Software and Documentation," next).
2. Design your DataBlade module (see "Designing Your DataBlade Module").
3. Create your DataBlade module with BladeSmith. This process can be iterative (see "Creating Your DataBlade Module").
4. Finish your DataBlade module (see "Finishing Your DataBlade Module").
1. Read DataBlade Module Development Overview.
2. Join the DataBlade Partners Program, if appropriate.
3. Install the necessary Informix software.
4. Learn to use Informix software: at the very least, Informix Dynamic Server with Universal Data Option, the Setnet32 utility (client connectivity), and the DB-Access or SQL Editor utilities (SQL querying).
5. Complete the DataBlade Developers Kit Tutorial.
6. Create your own practice DataBlade module.
DataBlade Developers Kit Tutorial The DataBlade Developers Kit Tutorial offers several exercises, each focusing on a single aspect of DataBlade module development. To access the tutorial exercises, start the tutorial from the DataBlade Developers Kit InfoShelf home page. You can launch the InfoShelf from the BladeSmith Help menu or start it independently by choosing Start Programs Informix DBDK InfoShelf. Creating a Practice DataBlade Module To familiarize yourself with the entire development process, create a simple practice DataBlade module containing an easily implemented object, such as a user-defined routine that takes built-in data types as arguments. Be sure to write the code, test it, and debug it. Completing a simple DataBlade module helps you create a realistic estimate of the length of your development cycle. Designing Your DataBlade Module DataBlade modules can contain complex operations. A good design is critical to your success. To design your DataBlade module
1. Read about DataBlade module design concepts.
2. Write a functional specification.
3. Read Informix coding guidelines.
4. Write a design specification.
Programming Resources The following table lists the programming language options you have when writing DataBlade module code, and refers you to sources of information about them.
C
Chapter 4, "C Programming Guidelines"
Chapter 5, "Programming DataBlade Module Routines in C"
DataBlade API Programmer's Manual
ActiveX/C++(opaque data types and their support routines only)
Chapter 6, "Creating ActiveX Value Objects"
Chapter 7, "Using ActiveX Value Objects"
Stored Procedure Language (SPL)
Informix Guide to SQL: Tutorial
For further tips on coding DataBlade modules, see the Informix Developer Network Web page, http://www.informix.com/idn.
Writing a Design Specification A design specification describes the overall functionality of your DataBlade module and documents the specific routines available to the user, the supporting database tables used to implement the routines, error messages, and the environment used to build the DataBlade module. A design specification also documents implementation details that the DataBlade module customer does not need to know, such as internal support routines. If you plan to have your DataBlade module certified by Informix, you must provide a detailed design specification. For a sample design specification, see the Informix Developer Network Web page, http://www.informix.com/idn.
Creating Your DataBlade Module Creating a DataBlade module is an iterative process that involves creating objects in BladeSmith, generating code, editing and compiling code, and testing and debugging code. When you identify errors, you must repeat the process to correct errors. DataBlade development can be iterative in another way: you can create objects in BladeSmith one by one, coding and testing each one before creating the next. To create your DataBlade module
1. Create an iterative development strategy.
2. Contact the Informix DataBlade Development Partners Program registry for a name, prefix, and error codes for your production DataBlade module. Skip this step if you are not creating a production DataBlade module.
3. Create a project in BladeSmith.
4. Define the contents of your DataBlade module in BladeSmith.
5. Generate DataBlade module code in BladeSmith.
6. Edit and compile DataBlade module code.
7. Test and debug your DataBlade module code.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 until your DataBlade module is complete and the code functions properly.
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1. Package your DataBlade module for distribution.
2. Submit your DataBlade module for certification, if appropriate.
Certifying Your DataBlade Module If you intend to market your DataBlade module commercially, consider having it certified by Informix. Certification verifies that your DataBlade module programming and business practices comply with Informix quality standards. After your DataBlade module is certified, you can advertise using the Informix certification logo, and your company is eligible to participate in DataBlade module sales and marketing programs. The Informix certification program ensures that your customers receive high-quality DataBlade modules and assists your company in marketing and selling your DataBlade modules. Before you apply for certification, you must be a member of the DataBlade Development Partners Program. Send email to datablades@informix.com for more information.
Programs