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Status Future consideration
Workspace IBM i
Categories Print
Created by Guest
Created on May 3, 2023

RELATED IDEAS

Enable a command to load an IFS file to a raw *USERASCII printer file like i.e. CPYFRMSTMF

Please enable a command to load an IFS file to a raw *USERASCII printer file.

i.e. to support direct PDF or PS or PCL etc. file load.

One idea:

add an option to CPYFRMSTMF to indicate a printer file.

Use case:

i.e. get a shipping PDF label from a webservice invocation of a courier webservice, and then spool such label to a queue (i.e. toward a printer supporting direct PDF printing).


At the moment, the solution given by IBM is to use FTP. It is pretty awkward to involve a TCP/IP application to load a file, there should be a "better" and idiomatic way in IBMi system in my opinion.

Enhancing CPYFRMSTMT could be a solution (it already handles SAVF for example).

Yes, one can use the Create Spool APIs, or reading the IFS file via C routines in RPG and outputting the file.

But there should be a "better" way if even IBM itself suggest FTP for such basic thing, see:

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/printing-pdf-stream-files-ascii-laser-printer-supports-direct-pdf-printing


thanks


Idea priority High
  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Feb 5, 2024

    I've had this capability for over 10 years. I first added it to my COZTOOLS back when I was a paid licensed program. For the last 5 years, COZTOOLS has been free and includes a command to copy PDF files from the IFS to USERASCII print files. It is widely used and "free".

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Aug 10, 2023
    IBM will use this Idea as input to planning, but no commitment is made or implied. This Idea will be updated in the future if IBM implements it. IBM will use votes and comments from others in the community to help prioritize this Idea.

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