Working with RPG Developers to Build a Reliable Transaction Processing and Modern Software Using RPG Programming

Role of AS400 RPG Developers

Expertise does the magic and finding the best RPG developers to do the trick for your next RPG application development could be a herculean task, but the one that is worth it!

RPG programmers are specially trained and skillful at developing AS400/iSeries software programs and applications. AS400 service providers employ RPG programmers and aim to design new solutions to automate the existing business processes or enhance existing software applications.

In case you are looking for skilled and experienced RPG developers, look no further, Integrative Systems is here to help you create highly effective and maintainable RPG applications using the latest techniques.

RPG programming language AS400 is now the e-server iSeries, and the mainframe is zSeries. Overall, it can be named as Series.

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The Future of RPG

In the future, all graphical, compiler, primarily text-based, and web-based tools for the AS400 may be conveyed as a single incorporated bundle. The WebSphere development tool is an open, standard-based item that validates all the dialects accessible on AS400, utilizing the Application Development Tool Set (ADTS), ILE RPG, ILE Cobol, and ILE C/C++.

Specialties of RPG Programming Language

Before you start programming with the RPG, you should be familiar with all the specialties. These specialties set RPG apart from other programming languages. The specialties are in the field of:

• Coding
• The program cycles
• Indicators
• Operation codes

One of the most significant advantages of the RPG programming language is that it is ILE compliant. It means that the iSeries RPG programmers have a vast number of practical, presentation, maintenance, and efficiency benefits apart from the ability to combine more than one language.

• RPG5 is an unrestricted version of the ILE format from IBM i V5
• RPG6 is a free version of the ILE format from IBM i V6
• RPG 7 is a free and latest version of the RPG programming language and is widely used in various industries.

Why Choose RPG Programming? Why not JAVA or PHP?

• Many IBM iSeries shops today, have a great pool of iSeries RPG programmers working with them and the best part is most of the business rules in the process are written in RPG programming language.
• It takes time and money to learn any new language.
• In comparison to RPG language, Java requires more hardware (primarily when used through WebSphere).
• Many organizations, especially SMEs, do not require additional features of WebSphere/PHP.
• It’s easy to get started with AS400 programming in the RPG language. In case you come across any difficulty in modern RPG, upgrade it. And this will be the stepping stone to the future.

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How to Define Null-Capable Variables in an RPGLE program?

To define null capable fields, ALWNULL (*USRCTL) must be specified on the H-Spec.
Apart from the parameters defined with OPTIONS (*NULLIND), null-capable variables can be defined in externally described files. However, there is no custom RPG support for specifying the null-capable variables.

RPG Open Access Handler

A handler in any programming language is an occurrence created for a specific task. RPG open access handler is a technique that handles communication with the available resources and gadgets.

This in turn creates a drive for RPG programmers to use the RPG I/O version to use resources and gadgets that aren’t supported by RPG. The access offers RPG’s report I/O capabilities, permitting each person to jot down new I/O handlers to access different gadgets.

RPG Rolled Out on Various Platforms 

Every RPG programmer knows that the RPG’s initial versions were developed for IBM systems like 1401, /360, /3, /32, /34, /36, /38, and AS/400.

Later on, it changed into improved and carried out for Sperry Univac BC/7, the Digital VAX, Siemens BS2000, Univac device 80, Burroughs B700, B1700, and plenty more. The cutting-edge platform advanced for the RPG compiler is Windows .Net thru the WINRPG compiler.

How RPG Developers at Integrative Systems can help you?

The team of one of the best RPG programmers at Integrative system can help you with:

• Analyze, design, improve and develop pre-written IBMi software program/application in various languages such as RPG, RPG ILE, RPG-FREE, and SQL.
• The RPG programmers will help you in following specifications to create technical documentation and create pseudo-codes
• Creating new RPG applications or strengthening the existing applications.
• In the case of any trouble, RPG developers also can troubleshoot your business processing to diagnose the issue
• Additionally, our iSeries RPG programmers can debug any software program to find and resolve the issue
• Implement new codes and fix bugs from the existing program/application.

How Is RPG Programming Capable to Solve Unique Challenges

Advantages of ILE:

• RPG IV is more understandable than older column-based RPG400 and RPG3.
• It allows extra utility modularity with static binding; this means there will be fewer outside calls.
• Enhances RPG programmer’s productivity by permitting reuse of higher codes
• Enhances the use of mixed languages by allowing the binding ILE languages right into an individual software.
• Builds a base for the future through shifting close to item orientated design, modular programming, and code reuse

Enhancements in RPG Programming

• Mixed case access permitted
• The compiler isn’t case sensitive
• The compiler can translate combined cases to higher cases.
• Character names allowed
• Full DDS duration supported
• Columns to be had for subscripts
• Under-score allowed in names
• Blank traces allowed making it extra readable

RPGIV helps in date, time, and time-stamp data types to help you calculate durations.

Obtain portions of dates and times

• Move data from one field to another
• Compare their values
• Test for legitimate values

The supported data types are-

• D for date
• T for time
• Z for timestamp

Expressions in RPG Programming:

• More particular outcomes while using expressions
• RPGIV is less complicated in terms of understanding and maintenance, as it manages half of the adjustments & avoids utilization of transient variables
• Three forms of expressions: Arithmetical, conditional, and string

Advanced Functions in RPG IV:

RPGIV offers you many superior features that make your code less complicated. It provides you with effective integrated features that let RPG programmers code more effectively.

RPG IV Program Specifications

RPG language code is written on a variety of specification forms, each having a particular function. In addition, many of the entries which make up a specification type are position-dependent. Therefore, each entry must start in a specific position depending on the type of entry and the type of specification.

Mainly there are seven types of RPG IV program specifications. Each class is optional and must be entered into your source code in the order given below:

Main source:

• Control provides the info about generating and running programs, such as name, date format, and sequence or file translation.
• The file gives information about all the files that your program uses.
• The definition specifies the data used by the program.
• Input tells about the fields used by the program and the input records.
• The calculation controls specific input and output operations and describes data orders.
• The output tells about the field chosen by the program and output records.

Sub procedure:

• The procedure specifies the beginning and end of the sub-procedure.
• The definition tells about the local data used in the sub-procedure.
• Calculation describes the order of analyses done on global and regional data.

Why are RPG Programmers Hard to Find?

Is it really that hard to find good RPG programmers whom you can have on your team for building an RPG application from scratch?

Let’s break the ice!

A few years ago, some speculations started rumbling about the lack of expertise and experienced AS400 programmers. According to the chaos, with the old hardwired expert brains aging and retiring the pool of expert AS400 started shrinking.

But, coming back to the hard reality of it, there is definitely no shrinkage or lack of iSeries RPG developers. Yes, we got to agree that a few of the IBM technologies have outgrown old and has very few experts taking care of systems built over, but not RPG for sure!

Moreover, RPG AS400 codes have evolved over the years, from copyrighted to open, from a rigid structure to RPG ILE, and from RPG language to AS400 RPG “free form.” In short, IBM modified its code and operating system over the years, which conserved its domination. That transformation allowed for transitions from legacy systems to modern RPGs.

This is an intelligent move from IBM iSeries since young iSeries RPG programmers were learning the new AS400 RPG language at college.

What’s Ahead for RPG Programming?

You being the decision-maker would always strive to make the best decision for the business. Relying on the robust and reliable legacy systems or going along with the modernization of these legacy systems, this one call alone is very vital.

According to various industry experts, moving away from AS400 programming is a good practice. Though, there is no competition for a technology that can be affordable, powerful, migratable, and energy-efficient as AS400.

Launching the AS400 RPG software in the 1960s does not necessarily make it outdated. Ultimately, it provides a solid base to grow that modern RPG can’t offer in today’s era. Most industries are fighting for existence as the safety and security of data are most important, and AS 400 programming is a worthy defender.

Why Choose Integrative Systems?

One-stop solution for all your company’s iSeries AS400 Needs
Integrative is a one-stop solution for all your business needs! Once you get in talks with our team of experts and experienced iSeries RPG programmers, they give you a plethora of reasons to count on Integrative Systems.
Here, we not only end your hassle of dealing with dozens of consulting firms but also extends a promise of consistent and efficient service, lifelong!

Highest Quality iSeries AS400 Consultants in the Industry

With more than 20 years of industry experience and expertise gained while working on thousands of global projects, Integrative is versed with a highly talented pool of AS400 programmers and consultants.

And, we can guarantee you that your decision of choosing us for your AS400 RPG development would be the best of all. Top-notch quality, transparent communication, and adherence to the commitment is what we believe in so that you don’t have to lose your peace of mind.

Quick Resolution of your RPG queries

Our RPG developers have extensive knowledge of AS400 and start producing results immediately. We work tirelessly to provide quick resolution on time and within budget.

Flexibility

Whether you are looking to completely outsource your iSeries AS400 or want us to complete a single project, we can help you with everything, or let’s say any type of AS400 project.

Budget-Friendly

For more than 20 years, we have been providing our clients with the industry’s best iSeries AS400 services at extremely affordable rates.

Lastly, we just want to conclude by saying that the RPG programming language has a long history of development and it is not going anywhere. The language was initially developed as a report program, and now RPG programming language is counted as one of the finest and high-level languages, like COBOL and PL/I. Although, due to so many versions, it has created confusion, but has developed quite rapidly in comparison to other languages.

Many companies that are primarily based on IBMi depend upon the RPG programming languages to enhance their capabilities and create new solutions.

RPG programming is known as one of the best languages like COBOL and PL/I in today’s scenario. Mainly used on IBM iSeries AS400 systems, the AS 400 programming language have so many versions.

Although AS400 programmers get confused sometimes due to lots of versions, the language has evolved rapidly compared to other languages because of these versions. Many organizations working on IBM iSeries rely on modern RPG to enhance their existing solutions.

Get in touch with us for all your RPG programming or AS400 iSeries needs. You can drop in an email at contact@integrativesystems.com or call us at 1.866.468.7974 and we’ll get back to you within 1-2 business days.

You can also have a look at our other capabilities and contact us for your software development needs.