RPG Programming Language: All you Need to Know

RPG programming is the backbone of many businesses, powering critical operations across a wide range of industries. Initially designed as a report-writing tool, it has evolved into a versatile tool for data processing, transaction management, and enterprise solutions. From building ERP systems to managing accounting processes, RPG programming language continues to prove its reliability and effectiveness in today’s evolving market landscape.

In this article, you will learn about the history and evolution of the RPG programming language, how it is used in modern business applications, and the key industries that rely on it.

RPG Open Access enables seamless integration with cloud computing, web services, mobile devices, and external databases, extending its capabilities in the modern IT landscape.

What is the RPG Programming Language

The RPG (Report Programming Generator) Programming Language is a high-level programming language designed for business applications. RPG programming language is IBM’s proprietary programming module, primarily used on IBM’s midrange computer systems such as IBM i.

RPG programming language has undergone several changes over the years. It was developed by IBM in 1959 to replace punch card systems on the IBM 1401. RPG language has evolved into a full-fledged procedural programming language through several versions, from RPG I to RPG IV (also known as ILE RPG). During the early versions of the RPG programming language, it was known for its program cycle, which processes data sequentially, making it ideal for report generation and business data handling.

Despite the rise of other programming languages, RPG remains one of the most popular languages for the IBM i Operating system.

RPG Language History

The RPG programming language has been the cornerstone for commercial applications, continually evolving to add new features, enhance functionality, and meet the needs of IBM i programmers. Let’s dive into the history of the RPG language to understand how it has transformed over the years. 

1964: IBM System/360 launches RPG (Report Program Generator), which offers basic file handling and calculation capabilities.

1970s: RPG II enhanced functionality with data structures, subroutines, and conditional branching.

1975: RPG III becomes widely adopted for its interactive capabilities and better data manipulation, including support for external procedures.

1980s: RPG/400 (later changed to RPG IV) is released for IBM AS/400 systems, introducing an integrated development environment (IDE), object-oriented concepts, and structured programming.

1995: RPG LE (Limited Edition) simplifies RPG IV for smaller systems and introduces a free compiler.

2001: RPG ILE integrates RPG IV with IBM languages like COBOL, improving performance and code sharing.

2003: A free RPG compiler for Windows and Linux launches, supporting open-source development.

2008: RPG Free Edition introduces support for SQL, XML, and web services.

2013: IBM i 7.1 includes RPG enhancements like new APIs, Unicode support, and advanced debugging tools.

2015: The Open RPG Project fosters community-driven development and open-source libraries.

2018: RPG/CL enables embedding RPG code within CL commands for greater flexibility.

2020s: RPG evolves with a focus on cloud integration, AI and machine learning APIs, and web application development.

As technology advances, RPG continues to modernize, embracing web technologies, AI tools, and modern frameworks to ensure compatibility with tools that RPG developers use today. 

Additionally,  RPG IV’s ILE compliance enhances functionality, performance, and multi-language integration, making it ideal for maintaining legacy systems while adapting to modern needs. This makes RPG programming a powerful tool for maintaining legacy applications while adapting to the demands of the modern development environment.

Who uses RPG?

RPG programming language is mainly used by IT teams and software developers working on IBM systems. Many organizations that rely on IBM i systems utilize RPG computer language to create, update, and maintain their business processes, ensuring stability and efficiency. 

Industries That Depend on IBM i

• Finance & Banking – RPG is widely used in core banking systems, transaction processing, and financial reporting.
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain – Companies use RPG for inventory management, order processing, and enterprise resource planning (ERP).
• Retail & eCommerce – Many retailers use RPG-driven systems for point-of-sale (POS), inventory control, and customer management.
• Healthcare – Hospitals and insurance companies leverage RPG applications for patient records, billing, and claims processing.
• Government & Public Sector – RPG coding language is used in administrative and financial systems for local and national governments.

Why should developers learn RPG programming?

There are plenty of reasons for learning RPG programming, including widespread use and in-demand skills. Let’s find them out.

1. Strong Demand for RPG Developers:  Many businesses, especially in manufacturing, distribution, and finance, still rely on RPG-based legacy systems. As long as these systems remain in use, skilled RPG developers will continue to be in demand.
   
2. Career Growth Opportunities: RPG programmers often focus on essential business functions like inventory management, supply chain operations, financial reporting, and logistics, leading to higher salaries and long-term career stability.
3. Integration with IBM i: IBM i systems are used by many large enterprises, and they heavily rely on RPG. Learning RPG provides access to a stable, enterprise-level computing environment, allowing developers to expand their technical expertise.
4. Versatility in Business Applications: RPG is widely used for database management, report generation, and building interactive user interfaces, making it a valuable skill across various IT roles.
5. User-Friendly Syntax: RPG programming is known for its structured and easy-to-learn syntax, making it accessible even to those with minimal programming experience.

Are businesses still using the RPG Programming Language?

IBM i (AS/400) remains one of the leading enterprise platforms trusted by both small and large businesses to power critical operations. The majority of these companies are still using multiple RPG-based applications due to their stability, efficiency, and strong compatibility with IBM i. 

Here are some of the factors that contribute to RPG coding language’s ongoing use:

• Legacy System Dominance: Many businesses have long-standing RPG-based applications that are highly reliable and optimized for business operations.
• IBM i Ecosystem Support: IBM continues to enhance RPG with modern capabilities, ensuring compatibility with emerging technologies.
• Skilled Workforce Demand: Organizations require experienced RPG developers to maintain, optimize, and integrate IBM i applications with newer systems.
• Cost-effective Modernization: Replacing and rewriting RPG applications can be expensive. However, businesses can modernize existing RPG code to integrate with SQL, APIs and web services. 

Does the market lack RPG developers with high skills?

Thousands of businesses are using RPG programming language for their apps. However, the number of experienced RPG programmers has declined over the years. There are several factors that contribute to this shortage of skilled developers:

• Aging Workforce: The average age of RPG developers is increasing, with many approaching retirement. Some estimates suggest that by 2025, the typical RPG programmer will be around 70 years old, leading to a significant reduction in the available skilled workforce. 
• Declining Interest Among New Developers: The new generation of developers often focuses on learning modern programming languages, leading to fewer individuals trained in RPG. This trend results in a talent gap as seasoned professionals retire. 

Limited Educational Resources: There are fewer educational programs and training opportunities for RPG compared to more widely used programming languages, making it challenging for new developers to acquire the necessary skills.

Can integrating the programs with modern technologies be time-consuming?

If you want to use RPG programs, you have to integrate them with the latest tools and technologies. Otherwise, it will be impossible to meet the business demands. However, integrating the RPG programs with modern technologies and tools can be very difficult for developers. It can take a lot of time.

To solve this common issue, you can use modern low-code tools. They enable you to modernize RPG business apps without migration. As a result, they have become massively popular. For example, developers can utilize Visual LANSA to simplify the modernization of legacy tools. It has the ability to make application development workflow up to ten times faster. Hence, you can quickly modernize your legacy app.

Read: Why You Should Modernize Your RPG and COBOL 5250 Apps

What is RPG programming language used for?

Developers use RPG language for commercial business application development on IBM’s leading minicomputer system – the AS400 or iSeries. It provides users with an interactive programming environment. Hence, you can conveniently enhance existing software applications or automate the existing business processes.

RPG Open Access: Expanding Flexibility

RPG Open Acess extends the capabilities of traditional RPG programming language by allowing developers to interact with external resources beyond the IBM i database. With RPG Open Access, programmers can leverage the familiar RPG I/O model to access devices and resources that are not supported by RPG, enhancing integration with modern technologies.

How RPG Open Acess Works

RPG Open Acess introduces I/O handlers, which act as intermediaries between RPG programs and external resources. Instead of solely relying on IBM i system files, RPG Open Access allows RPG programmers to specify custom handlers to handle the I/O operations. This enables RPG applications to interact with:

• Browsers
• Mobile devices
• Cloud computing resources
• Web services
• External databases
• XML files
• Spreadsheets

o create, update, and maintain business applications on IBM computer systems. Developers use it for a variety of purposes. For example, users can utilize RPG to automate business workflow.

How can I connect my RPG programs with modern web and mobile applications with LANSA?

Developers can connect RPG programs with apps by using LANSA integrator. It is based on the Java Service Framework. It enables easy integration between Java programs and RPG applications.

LANSA integrator supports a wide range of B2B technologies such as FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, POP3, SOAP, and JMS. They eliminate complexities and simplify the integration process. Hence, you can save time and focus more on the business requirements.

Can Visual LANSA solve issues with app development in RPG programming language?

Visual LANSA is a low-code development platform available for free. It is feature-rich. It enables you to simplify the development process. You can use Visual Lansa to quickly modernize legacy apps. It gives you access to a low-code method. Hence, you can easily build apps and deploy them to IBM i.

Also, you don’t have to learn RPG programming language to use it. You don’t even need to learn other languages, like Java. You can do everything from defining to deploying app logic with LANSA low-code tools. Also, it has a strong community support. Overall, it offers a great solution for effectively developing and modernizing apps. Therefore, you should definitely consider using Visual LANSA.