How to create a DataBlade® module

While the tools run only on Windows™, you can create DataBlade® modules for both Windows™ and UNIX™ operating systems for the C, C++, and Java™ languages. The tools you use on each operating system and for each programming language vary.

The following table describes, in order, the tasks needed to create a DataBlade® module and the tools you use to complete the tasks.

To perform this task Use this tool on UNIX™ Use this tool on Windows™
Write the design and functional specifications. Your word-processing program Your word-processing program
Create your DataBlade® module:
  • Set up a project for your DataBlade® module.
  • Import objects from other DataBlade® modules.
  • Define new objects for your DataBlade® module.
  • Add validation test data for your new routines, opaque types, and casts.
  • Generate source code, SQL scripts, installation files, and unit and functional test files.
 BladeSmith
Edit the source code to add C, C++, or Java™ code for routines, as needed. Your development tool or text editor For C or C++ code: Microsoft™ Visual C++

For Java™ code: your development tool or text editor
Compile your source code. For C or C++ code: your compiler

For Java™ code: Java™ software development kit

 For C or C++ code: Microsoft™ Visual C++

For Java™ code: Java™ software development kit
Install your DataBlade® module. Operating system copy command or FTP For C or C++ code: DBDK Visual C++ Add-In

For Java™ code: operating system copy of FTP
Register your DataBlade® module in your test database. For all code:
  • BladeManager
  • Informix®1
 For C or C++ code:
  • DBDK Visual C++ Add-In
  • Informix®
For Java™ code:
  • BladeManager
  • Informix®1
Debug your DataBlade® module by running unit tests. For C or C++ code:
  • a debugging utility
  • DB-Access or a client application
  • Informix®
For Java™ code:
  • the Java™ log file
  • DB-Access or a client application
  • Informix®1
 For C or C++ code:
  • Microsoft™ Visual C++
  • DBDK Visual C++ Add-In
  • IfxQuery or other SQL query tool
  • Informix®
For Java™ code:
  • the Java™ log file
  • an SQL query tool
  • Informix®1
Validate your DataBlade® module with functional tests. For all code:
  • DB-Access
  • Informix®1
 For all code:
  • MKS Toolkit
  • DB-Access
  • Informix®1
Package your DataBlade® module:
  • Add examples, online help files, and any other files you want to include to the project.
  • Define any additional components for a selective installation.
  • Perform optional customizations for installation packages.
  • Build the installation package.
 BladePack
Transfer files to the installation media. Your operating system Your operating system
Document your DataBlade® module with a users guide, release notes, examples, and online help, as needed. Your word-processing program Your word-processing program
Notes:
  1. You must use the J/Foundation option for HCL Informix® to enable services that use Java™. For more information about J/Foundation, see the J/Foundation Developer's Guide.