RPG/AS400: How this technology keeps up with digital advancements
Juni 24, 2025
RPG/AS400 technology plays a crucial role in the business world, especially for organizations aiming balance-to modernization with stability.
This programming language, widely used in IBM systems, remains relevant thanks to constant updates and its ability to integrate with modern languages.
The history of RPG and AS/400
RPG technology incorporates unique concepts, such as the program cycle and column-oriented syntax. IBM positioned it as the main language for the AS/400, one of the successors to the IBM 1401.
RPG was initially designed to simplify the transition of IBM technicians to modern computing systems while maintaining familiar concepts. Since then, it has gone through various versions that reflect IBM's efforts to adapt the language to business needs:
- - RPG II (1969): Became popular on IBM System/360 systems.
- - RPG III (1979): Introduced significant improvements in performance and functionality.
- - RPG IV: Modernized the language with free-form support and greater programming flexibility.
These updates demonstrate ongoing efforts to adapt the language to the needs of programmers and businesses.
RPG/AS400 in the digital transformation era
To address the challenges of digital transformation, IBM developed the RPG ILE language, which incorporates modern concepts such as modularity and object orientation. Its key benefits include:
- - Code reuse: reduces redundancies, improving development efficiency.
- - API integration: compatibility with formats like XML and JSON, enabling interoperability.
- - Gradual modernization: companies can update existing systems without disruptive migrations.
The improvements achieved through newer versions and updates of RPG have made development more efficient, with increased code reuse and simplified maintenance. Furthermore, it is possible to update existing code to take advantage of the features introduced in recent versions.
Challenges and solutions for RPG/AS400
The benefits of RPG/AS400 can be summarized as its ability to maintain systems that have consistently delivered the required performance with efficiency and stability. AS/400 is particularly justified when high processing and storage capacity are not prerequisites, as its costs are considerably lower than those of a mainframe.
Migrating from a legacy system is difficult to predict accurately in terms of cost and future impact on maintenance and evolution, given the steady pace of technological advancements and the emergence of new languages. The uncertainty about preserving current quality, performance, and stability, combined with the risks and time involved in the process, reinforces RPG's relevance as a viable solution today.
In summary, RPG/AS400 remains a solid option for many organizations that depend on systems managing massive data volumes and critical operations due to factors such as:
- - Economic efficiency: Lower operational costs compared to mainframes.
- - Proven stability: Decades of use in critical environments.
- - Flexibility: Integration with modern systems without requiring a complete migration.
These characteristics make RPG/AS400 a practical choice, especially for companies reliant on systems that handle high data volumes and critical operations.
Challenges in adapting RPG/AS400 to the digital era
One of the main challenges is the shortage of programmers specializing in RPG and AS/400. While efficient, the language is less popular among new professionals, requiring access to AS/400 environments for practice. As a solution, many companies are investing in training programs to develop new talent and ensure system continuity.
Additionally, the advanced age of many experienced RPG professionals exacerbates the need to attract and train new programmers to avoid a critical talent gap.
The future of RPG/AS400 in business modernization
Despite the challenges posed by digital transformation, RPG/AS400 remains a robust and reliable solution for companies prioritizing stability, continuity, and efficiency. Its integration with modern languages and continuous evolution ensures its indispensable role in the business environment.
While modern languages offer alternatives, a complete transition is complex and costly. Regular updates in RPG, such as integration with Java objects and IBM i APIs, have preserved its relevance, enabling this technology to meet current market demands.
The ability to connect with contemporary languages makes RPG/AS400 a solution that balances stability and modernization, ensuring its role as a strategic asset for companies valuing operational efficiency and continuity.