just got my courses for next semester (3rd/last year college) and i have an intro RPG programming course.
i have no clue what rpg is all about.. just wondering if anyone is well educated in RPG or at least has beginner knowledge about this language? is it useless?

does anyone have any links/downloads for good information about learning this language, so i can get a head start and not be completely lost like everyone else when the year begins?

Thanks.

Hi nadroj, RPG is a programming language used on IBM midrange systems. These systems have the database built into the operating system and are awesome to work with! (I've worked on them for 10+ years now) I have to say that RPG is definitely not useless! It just has its place.

That being said, RPG's roots are from the old punch card days in the 60's, and the method of writing programs is different because of it. It is a very high level language which means you can do a lot with not a lot of code. In fact it was originally used as a report writer (RPG stands for report program generator). Because it originated in the punch card days, it is not free format, but fixed column. Certain things have to be put in certain places on each line. There are templates that can help with the formatting.

If you want to have a fairly good explanation of using RPG, check out http://www.texas400.com/tutas400toc.html. This will show you the use of an AS/400 IBM system and explain some RPG as well.

Have fun!

great stuff n0x! thanks
however, looks VERY odd! lol
hope its not too dry, especially in the classroom setting.
does this mean that we will be using only these systems for the course? or can it be/has it been ported to other more standard PCs?

Yes you're right, it is odd! And yes, unfortunately, it can be a bit dry. But not as bad as one might think when looking at it. Just remember that you're doing database operations and that will help.

I'm not aware of RPG being ported to any other systems, I'm almost 100% sure you'll be using an AS/400 for the hands on stuff through a 5250 or 3270 emulator. Those are both available for Linux and work well.

:O more database stuff!!! yay!
*rolls eyes
Ah well.. thanks again. I never seen one of those in the classes iv been in, and iv probably been in all of the CS labs in the school. Well see how it goes.

Good luck! I'll be the first to say that my absolute favorite system to use (in a business environment) is the AS/400, hands down. (Yes even over Linux) And once you get used to how everything is structured, it's easier to understand database operations than any other IMNSHO.

Cheers!