One of the tools associated with IBM i development is the Programming Development Manager (PDM). Let's explore what PDM is:

Purpose and Function

PDM was originally installed on most AS/400 systems as part of the Applications Development ToolSet (ADT)
It is still installed on most IBM i systems today
PDM provides an environment that allows programmers and operators to navigate three levels of functionality

Features and Capabilities

Work with Members Using PDM (WRKMBRPDM): This command enables users to work with a list of members in a database file. It bypasses the PDM menu and the Specify Members to Work With display
You can specify the file and member(s) you want to work with.
It's commonly used for managing source members (such as RPG, CL, or DDS) within libraries.
By using this command, you can quickly access and manipulate members without navigating through menus.

Usage Scenarios

Developers: Use PDM to organize and maintain source code, compile programs, and manage libraries.
Operators: Employ PDM for tasks related to program maintenance and deployment.

Integration with Modern Tools

While PDM served its purpose for many years, modern development environments like Rational Developer for i (RDi) have largely replaced it.
RDi provides a more robust and user-friendly interface for IBM i development tasks, including source management, debugging, and integration with other tools.

In summary, PDM was a foundational tool for managing source members on IBM i systems, but its usage has diminished over time due to advancements in development environments like Visual Studio Code and IBM RDi

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