Bryan's very popular jump start class presents RPG IV and ILE for programmers who already know RPG III (RPG/400). Free-format, indicator-less programming, procedures, activation groups, built-in functions, modules, service programs -- they're all here!

In addition to complete coverage of the syntax, this class shows you how to exploit the “new” RPG syntax to take advantage of the benefits of modular procedures, code reuse, and service programs. The class will bring you completely up to date on all the new features of the last few releases. We’ll also cover a number of important coding standards, give you lots of tips on writing RPG programs that are maintainable, understandable, and efficient.

Duration: 4 days
Next scheduled public class: 10-13 August 2010
11am-5pm Eastern, with breaks for lab exercises and lunch.

Who Should Attend
This class is for existing RPG III (RPG/400) programmers who are moving to RPG IV syntax and Integrated Language Environment concepts. It is also suitable for existing RPG IV (ILE RPG/400) programmers who need to get up to speed on ILE concepts such as modules, procedures and service programs.

Prerequisites
In order to successfully complete this course, students should have completed the following courses, or have equivalent knowledge/experience:

• IBM i Concepts and Programming Tools
• Introduction to RPG Programming

What You Will Accomplish
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Write RPG programs using the RPG IV syntax
• Define data items (variables, data structures, arrays, constants) using D-specifications
• Use built-in functions to eliminate numbered RPG indicators
• Make use of free-format processing to write more maintainable code
• Understand all the new data types supported by RPG IV
• Perform easy date arithmetic and other date processing
• Identify issues that arise when converting from RPG III to RPG IV
• Compile RPG IV programs using the new ILE compile-and-bind model
• Understand when to use conditional compilation directives
• Effectively use the ILE interactive debugger
• Write reusable, modular procedures
• Use binding directories effectively
• Understand the purpose of a prototype and which options to use
• Package procedures in service programs
• Maintain service programs
• Understand activation groups – what they are, what they affect, and how to use them
• Use WebSphere Development Studio Client as an effective development tool

What You Will Receive
Each student receives:

• Custom printed handout, containing class notes
• Completion certificate

Course Outline
The class covers these topics:

• RPG IV Syntax Overview
• Defining Data with D-Specifications
• Calculations and Expressions
• Using Built-in Functions
• Indicator-less Programming
• Free Format Coding
• Processing Dates
• Converting to RPG IV
• Compiling ILE Programs
• Using the ILE Debugger
• Introduction to Procedures
• Modular Procedures
• Advanced Prototyping
• Creating Service Programs
• Introduction to Activation Groups
• Introduction to WebSphere Development Studio Client

Hands-on Labs

• Introduction to RPG IV Syntax
• Calculations and Expressions
• “No Indicators” Programming
• Free-format Coding
• Date Processing
• Introduction to Procedures
• Modular Procedures
• More Modular Procedures
• Building and Maintain Service Programs