Why use a user-defined extension?
Use a user-defined node or parser when the built-in resources do not provide the required functions.
Before you start to create your user-defined extension, be clear about its purpose. Most tasks can be performed by using the functions already provided with IBM® Integration Bus, but you might need a user-defined extension for your particular task.
To write user-defined extensions you need to be a skilled programmer, with some knowledge of IBM Integration Bus and its architecture, therefore make sure that you have the skills and knowledge required. You also need the time to test and debug your user-defined node or parser, and a safe environment in which to do this.
Also note that the maintenance and servicing of your own user-defined extensions is your responsibility. You should ensure that there will be someone available who can perform future updates or fixes.
- When you cannot manipulate the supplied nodes or parsers to perform the function you require. For example, you might want to connect to another software component in your message flow outside of WebSphere® MQ. If there is no supplied node for doing this, you must create your own.
- When you can improve performance, ease of use, or reliability by using your own user-defined extensions in place of the supplied nodes or parsers.
- If the available choices are not appropriate for your requirement. You can create user-defined extensions to handle internal, customer-specific, or generic commercial message formats.
Consider the following design factors when you are planning or writing a user-defined node or parser. You should be familiar with the concepts covered in the following topics before designing a user-defined extension.