IBM i (OS/400) the Database Operating System

6 hours ago

IBM i (originally AS/400) is a unique operating system with an integrated Db2 database at the kernel level, treating database and OS as one inseparable unit.
It uses an object-based architecture instead of file-centric, with Single Level Storage (SLS) treating all memory and disk as one flat address space.
The TIMI abstraction layer ensures decades-long backward compatibility, allowing programs from 1990 to run on modern hardware without recompilation.
Work management features include Jobs, Subsystems (interactive/batch), and MSGW state for pausing tasks on errors instead of crashing.
The system uses Control Language (CL) with logical Verb-Noun syntax, Library Lists for dynamic object resolution, and green-screen 5250 terminals for efficient administration.
Modern capabilities include a web interface (Navigator for i), PASE runtime for AIX/Unix binaries, IFS for POSIX file system, and support for open-source tools via Yum.
Security is built around User Profiles, Special Authorities (*ALLOBJ, etc.), and Adopted Authority for fine-grained access control.
Backup and recovery use native SAV commands and BRMS for policy-based management, while High Availability solutions like MIMIX or PowerHA ensure business continuity.
System monitoring relies on commands like WRKSYSSTS, WRKACTJOB, and graphical PDI tools; service tools SST/DST provide low-level hardware and firmware management.
Updates are delivered via PTFs and Technology Refreshes, with dual-side firmware (Side A/B) for safe patching.

dcode is an open-source coding agent built on the Deep Agents SDK.
It works with any large language model, allowing switching between providers mid-session.
Features include persistent memory across conversations, customizable skills, and approval controls for code execution.

DMS 1.5 'The Wolverine' introduces Frame Mode, enabling connected shell surfaces for a unified interface.
Native integration of DankCalendar provides a single agenda for multiple accounts with event management and offline cache.
Enhanced greeter features include a settings GUI, multi-user management, per-user theme sync, and improved authentication support.

Fresh is a powerful terminal text editor and IDE with instant startup and low memory footprint.
It handles large files efficiently and supports remote editing over SSH.
Features include split-panel review for Git with staged/unstaged/untracked files, side-by-side diff views, and export to Markdown.

On-call engineers often need privileged access to production databases or servers, but manual credential sharing is inefficient and insecure.
Infisical PAM provides secure, fast access to sensitive resources without requiring agents on every target—just a single lightweight gateway per network.
Access is just-in-time and never exposes the credential to the user; it automatically expires and is scoped to least privilege.

OpenMarkdown is a local-first, feather-light, and fast Markdown editor built for users and their agents.
It uses a native Rust core, ensuring quick loading times and native performance.
The editor is AI-free; instead, it runs on the user's existing agent, providing direct integration.

Hasty Briefsbeta