Programming in RPG IV

This new edition of Programming in RPG IV includes new chapters that explore in detail the topics of defining data with Definition Specifications and modular programming concepts (including dynamic and static binding, subprocedures and the CALLP operation, and sharing data via data areas), as well as an RPG IV summary appendix and an RPG IV style guide. In addition, all other material throughout the book has been fully updated for Version 4 Release 4.

Programming in RPG IV provides a strong foundation in the essentials of business programming, featuring the newest version of the RPG language: RPG IV. Focusing on real-world problems and down-to-earth solutions, this easy-to-understand textbook will help you master the latest techniques and features of RPG to make you stand out in the highly competitive AS/400 employment market.

The scope of the book includes the development of RPG; top-down, structured design; RPG IV specifications, opera-tions, and built-in functions; file definition, access, and manipulation; interactive applications; in-depth data definition — including RPG IV data types, tables, and arrays; modular programming concepts; and a summary of RPG's fixed-logic cycle and use of indicators — components of older versions of RPG often encountered on the job in maintenance programming.

Six appendices supplement the material covered in the chapters, providing a summary of RPG IV specifications, keywords, built-in functions, operation codes, and edit codes; an RPG IV style guide; introductions to program development on the AS/400, the basics of SEU, and the process of debugging programs; and the data-file definitions for the assignments. A comprehensive glossary supports the topics and terminology presented throughout the book.

Use Programming in RPG IV today to learn the fundamentals of business programming in RPG IV; use it tomorrow as a convenient, helpful reference.

Contents

• Preface xvii
  
• Chapter 1 Introduction to Programming and RPG 1
  
• Chapter 2 Getting Started 15
  
• Chapter 3 Defining Data with Definition Specifications 39
  
• Chapter 4 Assignment and Arithmetic Operations 53
  
• Chapter 5 Top-Down, Structured Program Design 75
  
• Chapter 6 Externally Described Files 101
  
• Chapter 7 File Access and Record Manipulation 127
  
• Chapter 8 Interactive Applications 151
  
• Chapter 9 Tables and Arrays 179
  
• Chapter 10 Modular Programming Concepts 209
  
• Chapter 11 Advanced Data Definition and Manipulation 231
  
• Chapter 12 Interactive Programs: Advanced Techniques 273
  
• Chapter 13 Maintaining the Past 297
  
• Appendix A RPG IV Summary 327
  
• Appendix B RPG IV Style Guide 339
  
• Appendix C Developing Programs on the AS/400 347
  
• Appendix D Source Entry Utility (SEU) 355
  
• Appendix E Program Testing and Debugging 363
  
• Appendix F Data Files 373
  
• Miscellaneous Files 383
  
• Glossary 385
  
• Index 399