Are you an AS400 user, striving to boost operational efficiency via modernizing your existing AS400 applications?
If yes, you have landed on the right resource today.
Since their inception, Report programming language (RPG), a high-level programming language, and IBM AS400 iSeries software have simplified the development and execution of business applications.
RPG, which serves a wide range of business applications, is an IBM-copyrighted module and users can access the majority of its versions on IBM AS400-based systems.
With passing time, the nomenclature and the format of RPG language and its companion Operating System may have evolved, but their companionship has been necessary for RPG programmers to ensure smooth business processing for decades.
Thus, RPG programming language remains on top of the high-level programming languages, bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern demands.
Did you know that the history of RPG is as interesting as its present?
Moving on, let’s dive into the intriguing journey that has shaped the RPG programming language into the big wheel it is today.
What’s the History of AS400 RPG Programming Language?
The history of the AS400 RPG programming language is quite long.
IBM developed the language in 1959 as the Report Program Generator.
Back then, it was a tool designed as an alternative to the punch card processing system.
Later, it was updated to the RPG II after the development of the IBM system/3. Since then, RPG language has evolved into a high-level programming language like COBOL and PL/I.
According to Gartner- RPG, being “just another modern language,” is a fixed-format language for which various attributes need to be defined. If the correct code for the correct column is not inserted, it shows an error. This is a foreign concept developed by IBM, and it was only experienced in other languages before its emergence.
In 1994, the (ILE) or RPG IV version of the RPG programming language allowed for some free-format expressions, but the code was still primarily fixed format in nature.
In 2001, AS400 RPG programmers could write the logical portion of RPG language programs in free form, but declarations of data and procedures still required columnar code. This was a significant step in making the RPG syntax more similar to the syntax of modern languages.
The same procedure was followed till 2012 when all the code of the programming language RPG virtually became free form from fixed form.
Today, you can show an application written in modern RPG language to JAVA and C developers, and they will feel like home.
Does this mean they don’t need to invest time to learn the programming language RPG?
No! What this means is – the process will be completely different and modernized than before.
From then to now, RPG programming language has been prevalent among modern AS400 users, with RPG IV, or ILE as its latest version.
The language provides a highly enabling programming environment for IBM i AS400 developers or RPG programmers to develop modern and efficient applications.
In the initial stage after the development of the programming language RPG, the substantial point was that it was well-versed in the program cycle.
Even every RPG program, during execution, operates within a hypothetical loop, and the same loop can be applied to the same RPG program, to every on-record file.
As a result, there will be a difference between each record and line in the program. Every line can be indicated on the form or not, depending on whether the line indicator has turned on or off. The entire idea of matching records is unique to the RPG II language. – to keep or not to keep?
After introducing System/38 in 1979, most of the RPG programmers did not make use of cycles and chose to go with the controlling program flow.
Furthermore, IBM also provided backward compatibility for the process.
This was an intriguing history of RPG – one of the most preferred high-level programming languages of the 21st Century.
Next comes the real heroes of RPG who bring your AS 400 aspirations to reality – RPG Developers.
What’s So Special About AS400 RPG Programmers?
Are you heavily invested in the AS400 systems for your mission-critical applications and business operations?
If yes, you are well-versed with the importance of RPG developers in your business operations.
What Does an AS400 Programmer Do?
AS400 programmers are seasoned professionals equipped with thorough knowledge of RPG language and AS400 systems.
AS400 developer is a highly capable technology professional who leverages expertise to develop, create, and maintain the AS-400 applications to ensure their modern relevance.
IBM AS400 iSeries programmers are trained professionals equipped with in-depth knowledge of RPG’s present, history, and its formidable capabilities to solve your emerging challenges.
Who Hires RPG Developers?
RPG programmers are employed by IBM AS400 development companies for the development of AS400 applications. And those applications are further integrated into business operations to ensure a high level of efficiency.
RPG programmers work on a wide array of tasks daily; they perform functions like- the creation of new codes, ensuring proper maintenance of existing codes. (However, existing regulations might be different from the written RPG codes)
What Does an RPG Developer Do?
RPG programmers work on a wide array of tasks every day.
An RPG programmer performs tasks like –
- The creation of new codes
- Ensuring proper maintenance of existing codes using RPG programming language
- Analysis, designing, development, and maintenance of the IBM AS400
The AS400 applications can be created using software written in a wide range of languages like – RPG, RPG IV, and SQL. These languages are also used to create technical documentation and develop pseudo-codes to realize possible problems or design flaws before implementation.
Do I Need RPG Developers on My AS400 Development Team?
Whether it’s about developing new AS400 applications, RPG setup or strengthening the existing ones, your AS 400-dependent organization needs a player who promptly troubleshoots your business issues with expertise and precision. So yes, you do need a team of AS400 RPG programmers for effective AS400 application development.
Integrative Systems to Revolutionize Your AS400 Innovations
We are confident that we have added to your knowledge about the programming language RPG and underlined the need for RPG programmers in the modern business landscape.
Are you in search of capable and experienced RPG developers who will develop and enhance your AS 400 applications?
We’ve got your back.
We are your go-to tech partners carrying 25+ years of AS400 development experience and expertise. Bring on your challenges, goals, and requirements, and watch us help you succeed first.
Get in touch with our AS400 RPG Programmers experts at [email protected] for a FREE consultation and kickstart your innovation journey today.
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