RPG (Report Program Generator) has been an essential language for IBM i (AS/400) systems for many years. In the late 1990s, RPGLE was introduced to make RPG more flexible and modular. Since then, regular updates have helped it stay functional and modern.
In this article, we will examine the key RPGLE enhancements that every developer should be aware of, ranging from the traditional fixed-format style to the latest free-form features available as of 2025.
Evolution of RPG (From 1964 to the 2020s)
1964 – IBM System/360 RPG: Introduced with basic file handling and arithmetic processing.
1970s – RPG II: Added data structures, subroutines, and conditional logic for flexibility.
1975 – RPG III: Brought interactive features, better data manipulation, and external procedure support.
1988 – RPG/400 (later RPG IV): Released on IBM AS/400 with IDE, structured programming, and early OOP concepts.
1995 – RPG LE (Limited Edition): A streamlined version of RPG IV designed for smaller environments with a free compiler.
2001 – RPG ILE: Combined with IBM ILE languages such as COBOL to enhance modularity, code reuse, and performance.
2003 – Free RPG Compiler (Windows/Linux): Enabled RPG development on open-source platforms beyond IBM hardware.
2008 – RPG Free Edition: Introduced support for SQL, XML, and web services.
2013 – IBM i 7.1 RPG Updates: Introduced new APIs, Unicode support, and advanced debugging tools.
2015 – Open RPG Project: Supported community-driven efforts and open-source RPG projects.
2018 – RPG and CL Integration: Supported embedding RPG logic inside CL commands to increase versatility.
2020s – Modern RPG Development: Focused on cloud, AI/ML APIs, and web-based application development.
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7 Key RPG Enhancements in IBM i (AS/400), Developers Must Know
- Free-Form RPG in RPGLE
Free-Form RPG (Free Format) is a vital improvement in RPG programming, as it eliminates the old fixed-column layout.
Programmers can now write code in a flexible, free-form style, similar to modern programming languages. This makes the code easier to read, understand, and maintain.
It also simplifies debugging and works better with modern tools, such as source control and continuous integration, supporting teamwork and automated testing.
- Integration with Web Services and APIs
Nowadays, RPG can work smoothly with web services and APIs, which enable programs to exchange data with external systems in real-time.
This lets RPG applications move beyond batch processing, linking internal business logic with cloud services, third-party platforms, and modern enterprise systems.
Developers can automate workflows, access live data, and build interactive applications that respond instantly to external events.
- Embedded SQL in RPGLE (SQLRPGLE)
Embedded SQL in RPG lets developers include standard SQL statements directly within their programs using an SQL precompiler.
This enables efficient database operations, such as complex queries, inserts, updates, and deletes, without requiring manual handling of low-level file management or data retrieval.
By embedding SQL, program logic becomes simpler, errors are reduced, and database interactions are optimized for better performance.
This approach enhances developer productivity and facilitates the maintenance of RPG applications that integrate with relational databases.
- RPG Open Access
RPG Open Access is a flexible framework that lets developers create custom input and output handlers within RPG programs.
This allows applications to work with a wide range of data sources and devices beyond what standard RPG supports.
By using this capability, RPG can integrate with modern technologies, custom hardware, and unique data formats.
This makes RPG programs more versatile and adaptable, enabling businesses to meet specific requirements and keep pace with evolving technological demands.
- Data Structures and Multi-Workstation Support
Recent RPG updates allow data structures to have multiple definitions, which helps programmers organize and manage complex data more effectively.
RPG also supports multiple workstations simultaneously through workstation file continuation statements. This enables applications to handle input and output across several terminals or user interfaces simultaneously.
These enhancements make it easier to build advanced, interactive business applications that can serve multiple users at once. Additionally, it enhances responsiveness and provides a more seamless user experience in multi-user environments.
- Cloud Integration for IBM i (AS/400) RPG Applications
Modern RPG development now integrates with cloud platforms. This combines the scalability, flexibility, and cost benefits of cloud computing with the reliability of the IBM i environment.
Connecting RPG applications to the cloud enables businesses to extend their legacy systems into hybrid architectures, allowing for smooth data sharing, on-demand resource utilisation, and enhanced disaster recovery.
This approach modernizes RPG programs and makes them more adaptable to changing business requirements. It also improves their efficiency and performance across both on-premises and cloud environments.
- Enhanced Built-In Functions (BIFs) and Backwards Compatibility
IBM continually updates RPG with new built-in functions that simplify coding and expand the capabilities of developers. These functions make it easier to perform everyday tasks and write cleaner, more efficient code.
At the same time, IBM maintains strong backwards compatibility, ensuring older RPG programs run smoothly on modern IBM i systems without significant changes.
This approach enables businesses to maintain their legacy applications while leveraging new features and modern programming capabilities.
Final Words
RPG has evolved into a modern, flexible programming language that strikes a balance between legacy reliability and contemporary business needs.
Continuous improvements such as full free form syntax, web service and API integration, embedded SQL, and cloud connectivity have modernized RPG development while maintaining backward compatibility.
These enhancements enable developers to create efficient, interactive, and scalable applications on IBM i platforms, combining the reliability of legacy systems with modern technology.
Understanding these key RPG features is crucial for sustaining and advancing critical enterprise systems in today’s rapidly evolving IT environment.
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