RPG has been powering enterprise systems for over four decades, but in 2025, it’s not the same language it once was. What’s changed is not just the syntax, but the mindset, ecosystem, and engineering workflows surrounding it.
Companies that still run critical operations on IBM i are asking: Can we modernize RPG instead of replacing it? The answer—when done right—is yes.
🔁 RPG Has Changed: From Fixed Format to Free-Form & Modular
Modern RPG is 100% free-form. This change isn’t cosmetic—it unlocks better practices:
· Readable, maintainable code – Indentation, variable naming, no column restrictions.
· Modularity – The use of procedures and service programs brings structure.
· Integration with SQL – native SQL support enables expressive and secure data handling.
In 2025, RPG has evolved—and so should your code. Modular and free-form RPG are the future of IBM i development.
🧑💻 DevOps is Standard: RPG + Git + CI/CD Pipelines
Legacy approaches to development—where code is edited via green screens and stored in internal libraries—have been phased out.
· RPG code now lives in Git (via IFS or source promotion tools like ARCAD).
· Build automation is done using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or Bitbucket Pipelines.
· Change tracking, automated testing, and staged deployments are the new norm.
· VS Code (Code for IBM i) is increasingly replacing RDi as the preferred IDE for RPG.
Teams working in modern RPG today follow agile and DevOps workflows just like Java or .NET shops do.
🌐 RPG as the Engine for API-Driven Systems
Modern enterprises expose RPG logic through REST APIs to interface with mobile apps, third-party tools, and customer portals.
· YAJL is the go-to JSON parser for RPG.
· RPG interacts with external services, such as payment gateways, ERPs, CRMs, and logistics APIs.
· Solutions like RPG API Express and RPG-XML Suite accelerate integration.
This is not about making RPG modern for its own sake, but enabling business processes to become more event-driven and service-oriented.
🧩 RPG in the Polyglot Stack: RPG + Python + Node.js + SQL
IBM i today is not monolithic. RPG works alongside:
· Python/Node.js – for lightweight logic, scripting, or machine learning use cases.
· SQL procedures – replacing old-style data access loops.
· Web UIs built with React/Angular – RPG returns JSON or XML as a backend service.
The modern IBM i system is a hybrid, where RPG handles transactions, and other languages handle what they’re best at.
📱 UI Modernization: Transforming Legacy Interfaces for Modern Workflows
Green screen applications still work—but they no longer meet user expectations. RPG developers now support:
· Browser-native UIs using frameworks like Profound UI, Valence, or custom Angular/React frontends.
· Mobile-friendly apps calling RPG APIs via HTTPS.
· UI/UX separation from business logic, keeping RPG focused on what it does best: reliability and performance.
In 2025, RPG runs behind GUIs and apps that users actually enjoy using.
🔐 Security and Compliance: RPG in the Era of Audit-Ready Systems
Security is no longer optional—it’s expected:
· RPG applications support TLS 1.3, OAuth2, JWT tokens for APIs.
· Tools like Exit Point Manager and object-level auditing enforce data governance.
· RPG can interface with SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk) for centralized logging.
RPG systems are expected to be secure by design, not patched after the fact.
🛠 What Tools Are Driving RPG Modernization in 2025?
Tool/Platform and Purpose
IBM Merlin Cloud-native DevOps environment on IBM i
VS Code + Code for IBM i Modern IDE with Git, linting, and extensions
ARCAD Transformer RPG Converts fixed-format RPG to free-form
YAJL for RPG Native JSON parser and builder
RPG API Express Build REST APIs in RPG
Profound UI / Valence Build modern UIs with RPG backends
Jenkins / GitHub Actions CI/CD for RPG applications
Conclusion
In 2025, RPG on IBM i is no longer a legacy liability but a vital, modern development platform. By adopting free-form syntax, integrating with DevOps workflows, leveraging APIs, and embracing hybrid language ecosystems, organizations can extend the life and value of their IBM i applications. Modern RPG practices enable businesses to maintain core logic while accelerating innovation, ensuring RPG remains a strategic asset in today’s fast-evolving IT landscape.
