What modern IDE can we use with the IBM i System?

For modern development on the IBM i System, you have multiple IDE options. Some excellent, some expensive, some free, some regularly maintained and some stagnant.

At time of typing - September 2024 - my top 3 contenders are: MICROSOFT VSCODE, IBM RDi and IBM MERLIN

Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

What modern IDE can we use with the IBM i System? 1

VSCode is my Preferred IDE for a couple of main reasons:

  • VSCode is free (this is NOT the main reason but certainly something to consider)
  • VSCode is extensible with lots of opensource plugins developed by other IBM i Developers
  • VSCode is simply put, a very friendly and super powerful editor with a relatively short learning curve

This is a highly customizable and popular open-source IDE. With extensions like "Code for IBM i," you can connect to IBM i systems, edit, compile, and debug code directly from VS Code. It supports various programming languages used on IBM i, such as RPG, COBOL, and CL. 

IBM Rational Developer for i (RDi)

IBM Power System running IBM i Operating System AS400 iSERIES - Rational Developer for i RDi

A close runner up with arguably more IBM focused development experience. 

Built on the Eclipse platform, RDi is specifically designed for IBM i development. It offers advanced features like syntax highlighting, code completion, integrated debugging, and build automation.

RDi feels like it locks you into an IBM developing paradigm, and while it's got a few more features compared to VSCODE, it also feels clunky and bloated.

As a freelance developer, the huge annual license fee means I just cannot recommend it.

IBM i Modernization Engine for Lifecycle Integration (Merlin)

What modern IDE can we use with the IBM i System? 2

MERLIN is the new Kid on the Block and has some super interesting features.

IBM i Modernization Engine for Lifecycle Integration (Merlin) integrates modern development and DevOps processes. Designed to help developers update and maintain IBM i applications it aligns IBM i application development with standards around Jenkins, Git, and uses a browser-based Theia IDE, which is compatible with Visual Studio Code.

  • Browser-based IDE: Merlin uses a browser-based IDE that is compatible with Visual Studio Code, making it accessible from any machine.
  • DevOps Integration: It integrates with modern DevOps tools like Jenkins and Git, streamlining the development process.
  • Containerization: Merlin runs in Red Hat OpenShift containers, which helps in managing and deploying applications more efficiently.
  • Code Modernization: It includes tools for converting fixed-format RPG code to free-form RPG, making it easier for new developers to understand and work with.
  • Hybrid Cloud Support: Merlin enables IBM i applications to leverage hybrid cloud environments, enhancing flexibility and scalability.

Which do you choose?

Each of these IDEs provide robust tools and features to enhance productivity and streamline the development process on IBM i systems.

Personally, I recommend VSCODE, but try each and see where you feel at home 🙂

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