Using the MQAI to simplify the use of PCFs

We can use the WebSphere MQ Administration Interface (MQAI) to obtain easier programming access to PCF messages.

It performs administration tasks on a queue manager through the use of data bags. Data bags allow you to handle properties (or parameters) of objects in a way that is easier than using PCFs.

Use the MQAI to:

Simplify the use of PCF messages

The MQAI is an easy way to administer WebSphere MQ; you do not have to write your own PCF messages and this avoids the problems associated with complex data structures.

To pass parameters in programs that are written using MQI calls, the PCF message must contain the command and details of the string or integer data. To do this, several statements are needed in your program for every structure, and memory space must be allocated. This task is long and laborious.

On the other hand, programs written using the MQAI pass parameters into the appropriate data bag and only one statement is required for each structure. The use of MQAI data bags removes the need for you to handle arrays and allocate storage, and provides some degree of isolation from the details of the PCF.

Handle error conditions more easily

It is difficult to get return codes back from MQSC commands, but the MQAI makes it easier for the program to handle error conditions.

After you have created and populated your data bag, we can then send an administration command message to the command server of a queue manager, using the mqExecute call, which waits for any response messages. The mqExecute call handles the exchange with the command server and returns responses in a response bag.

For more information about using the MQAI and PCFs in general, see the WebSphere MQ Programmable Command Formats and Administration Interface.