Course description: RPG IV Programming Fundamentals Workshop for IBM i - ILO

Note: This is an Instructor Led Offering (ILO). It is an Internet based class with a live instructor, so please do not make travel arrangements. After you receive confirmation that you are enrolled, you will be sent further instructions on how to access audio, video, and remote labs.

Get a comprehensive exposure to the basic features and functions of RPG IV for Version 7. Develop and maintain simple RPG IV programs written using the latest features and techniques available in the Version 7 compiler. The focus is entirely on the latest of the RPG IV for Version 7 compiler and the techniques that it provides.

This is the first in a series of three courses in the IBM i curriculum for programmers who are new to RPG IV. The series includes:

• RPG IV Programming Fundamentals Workshop for IBM i (AS060) / (OV600)
• RPG IV Programming Intermediate Workshop for IBM i (AS070) / (OV700)
• RPG IV Programming Advanced Workshop for IBM i (AS100) / (OV100)

AS070 and AS100 enhance your skills in developing applications using the RPG IV language after you have completed this course.

Previous techniques and the maintenance of programs written using legacy techniques (for example, maintaining fixed format calculations) are not covered in the classroom. Some additional material and the bibliography provided assist the new RPG IV programmer in the maintenance of legacy applications.

This course does not introduce either information processing or programming in general. Trained programmers learn to develop and maintain simple RPG IV programs written using the latest features and techniques available in the Version 7 compiler. If you are new to programming, you should attend other courses that are offered by local technical colleges or self study methods.

This course provides lectures and hands on labs in a live virtual classroom environment (ILO - Instructor Led Online). This course is also offered in a face-to-face classroom setting with hands-on labs RPG IV Programming Fundamentals Workshop for IBM i (AS060).

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Training Paths that reference this course are:

• Application Developer (DB2, WDSc, RPG, CL, SQL) RPG Path

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IBM Education Advantage Program Eligibility

• Yes - IBM Education Pack - Online account

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This basic course is for:

• Programmers who are new to RPG IV.
• Basic programming experience is required.
• You should have attended at least an introductory course to programming, such as one of those available at technical colleges. Concepts of programming are not covered.
• Experienced programmers who are new to IBM i.
• Examples of other programming languages are CL, BASIC, COBOL or RPG II.

This course is too basic for experienced RPG III programmers. RPG III programmers who want to learn RPG IV should examine the topics of AS070 and AS100 and choose the course(s) appropriate for enhancing their RPG IV skills

Notes:

The term RPG/400 refers to both System/38 RPG as well as iSeries (AS/400) RPG/400 (also known as RPG III).

This course focuses entirely on the features of the RPG IV Version 7 compiler and the techniques that this compiler provides.

Previous techniques and the maintenance of programs written using legacy techniques, such as fixed format calculations, are not covered in the classroom. Some additional material and the bibliography will assist the new RPG IV programmer in the maintenance of legacy applications.

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You should complete:

• Introduction to IBM i for New Users (OE980)
• IBM i Application Programming Facilities Workshop (OL490)

or have equivalent knowledge.

You should be able to:

• Use a Windows based PC
• Run PC applications using menus, icons, and tool bars
• Write a simple program in another high level language (for example, COBOL, BASIC or RPG II)
• Use basic IBM i tools, including Control Language (CL) commands and online Help
• WRKSPLF and related commands to manage output
• WRKJOB, DSPMSG, and DSPJOB commands to perform basic problem determination
• Use and display System i print queues
• Use Program Development Manager/Source Entry Utility or Remote Systems Explorer (RSE)/LPEX Editor to create and maintain Data Description Specifications (DDS)
• Create and maintain physical and logical files  

Experience with printer and display files is beneficial.

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• Write simple RPG IV Version 7 programs to produce reports
• Write simple RPG IV Version 7 inquiry programs that interact with displays
• Use the editor to enter and modify source programs and compile RPG IV programs
• Review compilation listing, find, and correct compilation errors
• Maintain existing applications written in the RPG IV (Version 7) language
• Use the debugger tool to determine the cause of incorrect results
• Use many popular RPG IV built-in functions

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• RPG IV introduction
• Coding specifications for RPG IV
• Data representation and definition
• Manipulating data in calculations
• Printing from an RPG IV program
• Using the debugger
• Structured programming and subroutines
• Accessing the DB2 database using RPG IV
• Coding inquiry programs
• What is next?

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