RPG (Report Program Generator) is a high-level programming language developed by IBM in 1959 to provide a systematic way to process data and generate reports on early IBM systems. Over the years, RPG has undergone several updates, including RPG II, RPG III, and RPG IV (ILE RPG). RPG IV is the most current version and is widely used on IBM i (formerly known as AS/400 or iSeries) systems.

With continuous updates and modernization efforts, IBM i RPG IV remains relevant and adaptable to meet evolving business requirements.

The 2023 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results indicate that RPG continues to be the most widely used language for new development on the IBM i platform, with an impressive 93% adoption rate among developers.

However, modern organizations often find themselves facing a crucial challenge - how to modernize these legacy systems like RPG, in an age where RPG programmers are retiring or on the verge of retirement.

To address this issue and ensure business continuity, modern organizations are seeking reliable solutions. RPG support programs offer a lifeline to organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of legacy systems and overcome the challenges posed by retiring RPG experts.

Understanding RPG Programming Efficiency

Leverage Free Form RPG for IBM i V7

IBM has introduced free-form RPG support, making coding easier and more flexible.

Modular Programming and Reusability Benefits

Modular Programming and Reusability are like building blocks that make software development easier and faster. In simple words, they are self-contained parts of a program that can be used repeatedly in different places.

For example, imagine you have a piece of information about customers that you need for many different tasks, like buying, invoicing, and shipping. With modular programming, you can create a single module for this customer information and use it in all these tasks without having to write the same code multiple times. In the long run, it saves time and effort and makes it easier to fix or update the code later.

RDi for RPG Development

Rational Developer for IBM i (RDi) stands as a powerful integrated development environment (IDE) crafted exclusively for IBM i application development. It presents a comprehensive toolset, empowering developers to efficiently write, edit, debug, and maintain RPG (Report Program Generator) code.

• Work on multiple source members simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and collaboration within the development team.
• Receive instant feedback on compile errors, allowing for swift resolution and reducing development time.
• Navigate through your RPG code effortlessly with the outline view, providing a clear overview of the program's structure and logic.
• Take advantage of shortcut keys for common tasks, streamlining your development workflow and boosting productivity.
• Integrate with change management and version control systems to track and manage code changes effectively, facilitating teamwork and ensuring code integrity.

Efficient Error Handling and Debugging Techniques

Efficient error handling and debugging techniques are crucial for developers to detect and address issues in their RPG programs effectively. These techniques help identify and resolve errors that may occur during program execution, improving the overall reliability and quality of the application. Here's a brief overview of how these techniques work and their benefits:

• Use indicators (error codes) to check the success of operations and identify errors.
• Implement Structured Exception Handling" or monitoring to catch and manage specific errors.
• Maintain a detailed error log for tracking issues and trends.
• Facilitate early detection and resolution of errors, minimizing their impact on users and the business.
• Improve software reliability by reducing unexpected failures and crashes.
• Enhance user experience with informative error messages and graceful error recovery.

• Utilize "Source Debugging" or Rational Developer for i (RDi) to step through program code.
• Examine variables, data structures, and arrays during program execution.
• Set breakpoints to pause program execution for detailed inspection.
• Identify and fix logic errors before they become critical issues in production.
• Analyze program flow and identify the root cause of defects for faster issue resolution.
• Foster continuous learning and improvement by gaining insights into program behavior.

Enhance Your RPG Programming Efficiency with Custom Support

With evolving business needs and retiring IT experts, who originally shaped legacy systems like IBM i RPG, many businesses are facing challenges in supporting and maintaining their RPG applications.

At Nalashaa, we understand these concerns and offer specialized RPG Support to help businesses navigate through these complexities. Our team of iSeries/AS400 experts, well-versed in modern platforms and RPG programming, empowers your organization to efficiently manage and optimize your RPG applications.

Contact our RPG support experts today to future proof your RPG performance capabilities and streamline your business continuity.