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If you’re still storing all your RPG, CL, and SQL source in traditional QSYS libraries, you’re missing out on one of the biggest productivity boosts available on IBM i today. The Integrated File System (IFS) is no longer just “that Unix-like thing over there” it’s the natural home for modern IBM i Source Code. Twenty …
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. …
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, …
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 …
[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 …
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 …
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 …
The more I use Visual Studio Code the more I like it. (NOTE The same applies to IBM BOB – which is VS-Code under the covers) Here are my top 10 reasons I find this such a useful programming tool: VS-Code is the ideal choice for IBM i developers.VS Code is an ideal choice for …
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 …
Welcome to the magical world of PUB400, where your IBM i dreams come true – assuming you can connect to it first! Are you ready to supercharge your development workflow and bring your IBM i coding into the 21st century? If wrestling with connection errors and configuration settings feels like a cruel joke, fear not …
We’ve already explored how /COPY and /INCLUDE work in RPGLE, and we’ve looked at how the INCLUDE command fits into CLLE development. Now it’s time to bring those concepts together in a practical, real‑world example inside Visual Studio Code for IBM i. In this walkthrough, I demonstrate how to use copybooks effectively in both RPGLE …
In a world where build automation is a mystical art, one brave warrior dares to conquer the realm of “RULES.mk” config files with Visual Studio Code and IBM i. Join us on this thrilling adventure! Step 1: Prepare for Battle (Install the Necessary Extensions) Gather your trusty steed (Visual Studio Code) and equip it with …
