RPG Code Sample
RPG 101
* SAMPLE HELLO WORLD PROGRAM
* NICK LITTEN
* MARCH 5TH 2024
/free
dsply 'Hello World Free';
return;
/end-free
RPG 101 Ep3: Setting Legacy RPG Free
In this episode, we break the chains of column-based RPGLE and take our first bold steps into the world of free-format RPG. If you've ever squinted at fixed-form code and wondered, “Why are we still doing this?”, this lesson is your liberation. We’ll walk through converting legacy RPG into clean, readable, modern syntax without losing the logic that made it work.
What You’ll Learn
How to identify and refactor fixed-format RPGLE code
The basics of free-format syntax and layout
Why free-format RPG is easier to read, maintain, and teach
How to modernize legacy code without breaking functionality
Why It Matters
Free-format RPG isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade, it’s a productivity boost. Cleaner syntax means fewer bugs, faster onboarding, and happier developers. This lesson shows how even small changes can make a big impact on your codebase.