The Cobwebb Distribution API [DSTAPI] allows a correctly designed PPD to have its output distribution modified at runtime programmatically.

The API consists of a Database file (DSTAPI) along with a number of Cobwebb Exit programs. This API was initially designed to interface with the GTOS Document Management System.

Usage

1.Design a PPD document using the Cobwebb Designer to include the relevant DSTAPI Exit programs.

2.Export it to the IBM i.

3.Create a spool file and write a record to the DSTAPI Database describing the spool file attributes, PPD file and distribution parameters. If you need to know how to retrieve the attributes of the spool file you have created to the DSTAPI database then please refer to the topic on Retrieving Spool File Attributes.

4.Call the CRTPPD command to process the spool file according to the designed PPD file. For details on all the parameters for the CRTPPD command please refer to the CRTPPD Command topic.

5.Run the ARCDSTAPI command to archive old records from the DSTAPI Database - from version 6.2.70. Note: This will delete old records but not free up space in the file. To do that you will need to run the following command (with library CPPD in your library list) when the file is not in use:

RGZPFM DSTAPI