Setting up your development environment is a crucial step in starting your journey with RPG programming. This module will guide you through the necessary steps to get your environment ready for coding.

Before we begin, let's understand the basic requirements for setting up an RPG development environment:

• IBM i (AS/400) System: RPG is primarily used on IBM i systems. Ensure you have access to an IBM i system.
• Development Tools: You will need a development tool to write and compile your RPG programs. IBM Rational Developer for i (RDi) is a popular choice.
• Connectivity: Ensure you have a stable connection to your IBM i system.

To access the IBM i system, you need a user account. If you don't have one, contact your system administrator to create an account for you.

You will need a terminal emulator to connect to the IBM i system. IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS) is a commonly used tool. Follow these steps to set it up:

1. Download IBM i Access Client Solutions:

   • Visit the IBM website and download the latest version of IBM i Access Client Solutions.

2. Install IBM i Access Client Solutions:

   • Follow the installation instructions provided by IBM.

3. Configure Connection:

   • Open IBM i Access Client Solutions.
   • Click on "New Connection" and enter the IP address or hostname of your IBM i system.
   • Enter your user credentials to connect.

IBM Rational Developer for i (RDi) is an integrated development environment (IDE) for RPG programming. Follow these steps to set it up:

1. Download RDi:

   • Visit the IBM website and download the latest version of RDi.

2. Install RDi:

   • Follow the installation instructions provided by IBM.

1. Open RDi:

   • Launch IBM Rational Developer for i.

2. Create a New Connection:

   • Go to File > New > Connection.
   • Enter the connection details for your IBM i system (hostname, user ID, and password).

3. Set Up a New Project:

   • Go to File > New > RPG Project.
   • Enter a project name and select the appropriate settings for your project.

Let's create a simple "Hello World" program to verify that your environment is set up correctly.

1. Save the Program:

   • Save the program with a .rpgle extension.

2. Compile the Program:

   • Right-click on the program file in RDi and select Compile.

3. Run the Program:

   • Use the terminal emulator to run the compiled program on the IBM i system.

• Check Network Settings: Ensure your network settings are correct and you can reach the IBM i system.
• Verify Credentials: Double-check your user ID and password.

• Syntax Errors: Ensure your code syntax is correct.
• Library List: Make sure the necessary libraries are in your library list.

By following these steps, you should have a fully functional RPG development environment. You are now ready to start coding in RPG. In the next module, we will dive into the basic syntax and structure of RPG programs.