If you’ve ever stared at a wall of fixed-format RPG code and thought, “This looks like it was written by a medieval monk with a ruler and quill,” then welcome to my world. I’ve spent far too many hours squinting at columns, indicators, and op codes that look like they were designed to test patience

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Welcome to the latest chapter of my IBM i RPGLE Operation Codes Guide. In my ongoing mission to document and clarify the wonderful IBM RPGLE language for new programmers, students and established old-school programmers looking for new styles of code (who says old dogs cant learn new tricks?!) I’m taking the IBM RPG Operation Codes

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I was in a meeting with a client earlier today – they were discussing hardware changes, software version control, promotion flow and how to set TURNOVER ALM up. A mix of folks in attendance; a couple of current IBM-i programmers, some old AS400 techies and a host of vocal application managers, with everyone seemingly confused

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I’ve spent decades wrangling RPG code on AS400, iSERIES and IBM i systems. You know the drill: endless source files, green screens, and that nagging pull to modernize without breaking everything. Very repetetive and prone to broken code because of a finger slip, a mistyped line of code or a fat-finger moment on the keyboard.

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IBM i SQL Stored Procedures are the King of the IBM i Database Jungle Welcome to a deep dive into the world of database management! Today, we’re focusing on a powerful tool that can transform how you handle data: stored procedures. Whether you’re working with IBM i, SQL Server, or another database system, stored procedures

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In the ever-evolving world of programming, some languages stand the test of time by blending reliability with innovation. RPGLE (RPG for ILE, or Integrated Language Environment) is one such language, particularly for IBM i developers who have evolved through the older generations of this machine (AS/400 and iSERIES). Originally introduced to modernize the classic RPG,

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Welcome back, fellow *cough* AS400 code wranglers and green-screen survivors! If your IBM i source files are starting to look like that one drawer in your desk where cables go to die, it’s time for a tidy-up. Today, we’re diving into how Visual Studio Code can turn your RPGLE and COBOL chaos into something resembling

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[Upbeat music fades in] [Visual: A clean, professional studio setup with a desk, computer, and a friendly robot graphic popping up on screen] [Nick Litten appears on camera, smiling, with a warm and enthusiastic tone] “Hey everyone, welcome back to another exciting lesson! I’m Nick Litten, your guide to mastering IBM i development, and today

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If you’re an IBM i developer like me; used to the structured world of RPGLE, CL, and SQL, venturing into WordPress plugin development might feel like stepping into a carnival of loosely typed chaos. But fear not. Underneath the glitter and JavaScript, WordPress is just another system with hooks, APIs, and a predictable lifecycle. This

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Refactoring RPGLE: Scott Klement’s Copybooks in Free Format RPG If you’ve ever stared at a wall of fixed-format RPG code and wondered how to bring it into the 21st century, you’re not alone. In this video, let’s walk through the process of upgrading Scott Klement’s RPGLE copybooks, transforming legacy column-based RPG into sleek, readable free-format

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Legacy RPG Printing on IBM i: OUTPUT Specs and EXCEPT in Action If you’re curious about the nostalgic world of AS400 RPG programming, come with me and let’s dive into the art of printing reports using OUTPUT Specifications (O-Specs) and EXCEPT operations in RPG. This video should help IBM-i newbies, and maybe even veteran coders

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Today, I’m diving into the fun world of legacy code modernization from the old AS400 style RPG to the new free-format IBM i Style RPG. Why modernize legacy source code? Modernizing old RPG code from AS400’s column-based style to IBM i’s free-format style is a blast for a few reasons: It’s the thrill of turning

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