Information Systems:IBM Toolbox for Java

IBM Toolbox for Java is the commercial version (which technically has to be licensed), while JTOpen is the open-source fork, with nearly 1:1 code parity. Therefore, the two terms are often used interchangeably to refer to this product.

Overview

IBM Toolbox for Java is difficult to describe in one term or sentence. IBM Toolbox for Java:

• is Java library/package that you use if you need to make a program that interacts with IBM i or the database.
• provides an extensive collection of facilities/functions/utilities, from dealing with spool files, calling RPG/CL programs, or fetching from the database.
• is a mature product with good documentation, both in terms of official manuals and javadocs.
• serves as a core dependency for many programs/software that exist for the i.
• has an open-source fork called JTOpen which has near 1:1 parity (IBM Toolbox for Java is just the officially-licensed product, for which support can be purchased).

In my opinion, IBM Toolbox for Java is one of the most important software components for the IBM i platform. Many things appear to use it as a core component under the hood. -norwizzle (talk) 

Usage

JTOpen can be included in a Java project through Maven.

Other

Although not 100% sure (due to the software being closed-source), evidence suggests that these software all use Toolbox for Java (likely JTOpen) to some degree, under the hood:

• Iptor XT
• Iptor Integrator (part of the SDK that allows users to create programs that interact with)
• Iptor Analyzer
• IBM i Access Client Solutions