The Howdy Glossary

RPG IV (Report Program Generator) is a high-level language developed by IBM for business applications on the AS/400 system and its successors. Its primary use is to generate reports from data files and databases, utilizing features like free-form expressions and opcodes. Over time, RPG IV has evolved into an object-oriented language, allowing integration with C++ or Java, which facilitates the development of web applications and service-oriented architectures while maintaining support for legacy systems.

Unique features of RPG IV include free-form expressions that offer a modern coding style and support for object-oriented programming concepts. This flexibility sets it apart from older versions of RPG as well as other programming languages. The seamless integration with languages like C++ and Java allows it to be highly interoperable, making it suitable for developing complex applications. Particularly advantageous in business settings, RPG IV's core functionality includes generating reports from data files and databases, making it an essential tool within the IBM AS/400 environment.

In competition with languages such as COBOL, Java, and C++, RPG IV holds significant advantages due to its deep integration with IBM systems. While COBOL is durable in legacy systems and Java/C++ offer extensive libraries and cross-platform compatibility, RPG IV excels in specialized report generation tailored to IBM environments. It supports modern programming features while ensuring optimal performance within existing ecosystems heavily invested in IBM technologies. This specialization makes RPG IV a valuable resource for developers aiming to modernize legacy systems or develop sophisticated applications within an AS/400-centric framework.