iSeries (AS/400) RPGIV Programming

Introduction

RPGIV is the latest generation of RPG on the iSeries, superseding RPG/400. There are many new techniques available, which when exploited, provide programmers with far more capabilities when compared to earlier versions.

What you will learn

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Write an enquiry program using RPGIV and create display files using SDA.
• Write a report program using RPGIV and code printer file DDS.
• Write data validation routines, handle dates and errors.
• Write a file maintenance program.
• Handling records locking.
• Use program calling and parameter passing to link programs.
• Code structured programs in a contemporary RPGIV style.
• Use Free Format Calculation Specifications.

Who should attend

Application development staff who will be using RPGIV to develop new applications, or maintain existing applications written in RPGIV on the iSeries.

Pre-requisites

iSeries (AS/400) System Facilities and iSeries (AS/400) Program Design should be attended prior to this course. Optional pre-requisite courses iSeries (AS/400) CL Programming and iSeries (AS400) Interactive SQL. The many practical exercises on this course require the delegate to code using PDM, SEU, SDA and DDS, all of which are taught on the iSeries System Facilities course.

Follow-On

iSeries (AS400) Introduction to Embedded SQL, iSeries (AS/400) RPGIV Advanced Programming, iSeries (AS/400) ILE Fundamentals and iSeries (AS/400) Introduction to Java for RPG Programmers

Course content

• Physical files and physical file DDS.
• Logical files and logical file DDS.
• Display files and display file DDS.
• SDA (Screen Design Aid).
• Developing logic.
• Structured programming.
• Control structures / loops and conditions.
• Logic of an enquiry program.
• Introduction to RPGIV and RPG history.
• Entering and compiling RPGIV source.
• Structure of an RPGIV program / specification types.
• Header specifications and keywords.
• File specifications & keywords.
• Externally described files and level checks.
• Calculation specifications & extended factor 2
• What are expressions and built-in functions.
• First RPGIV opcodes and built-in functions.
• Writing an enquiry program with RPGIV.
• Definition specifications, standalone fields and constants.
• Indicator data structure.
• Use of subroutines to structure programs.
• Adding additional screens to enquiries.
• Printer files and printer file DDS.
• Overflow.
• The structure of a report and record formats.
• Logic for a report program.
• Opcodes and built-in functions required by a report program.
• Shortform operators.
• Enabling programs for debug & debugging RPGIV programs.
• Calling other programs and passing parameters.
• Defining prototypes and procedure interfaces.
• Methods of passing parameters.
• Database handling
• Partial key processing & further database handling.
• Data validation and error messages.
• Validation routines in RPGIV.
• Concepts and logic of file maintenance.
• Handling record locking.
• Coding a file maintenance program in RPGIV.
• File maintenance operations and built-in functions.
• Handling errors.
• Free Format Calculation Specifications (/FREE, /END-FREE)
• Free Format opcode support and considerations.
• Keyed I/O free format.
• Character to numeric data conversion techniques.
• Support for date & time data types.
• Selective updating.
• Date arithmetic.
• Date validation and conversion.
• Further built-in functions (for string/numeric handling)
• Introduction to CODE (CoOperative Development Environment)

Materials

A course manual with supporting documentation is provided. The course includes practical exercises to provide delegates with early experience in writing an RPGIV enquiry, report and maintenance program

Schedule

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