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choosing the right language

Choosing the Right Language

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RPG, ILE, SQL & Open-Source Programming

Our grandchildren have just started secondary school and along with the expected French, Spanish and German they have been offered Mandarin. Everyone has welcomed this as ‘moving with the times’ and adding another ‘useful string to their bow’. In this ever-shrinking world it is an advantage to be multi-lingual.

Which got me thinking, why are some developers set on using just one language.

IBM i environments provide several programming languages and paradigms, each with unique strengths suited to different types of applications and business needs. While RPG (Report Program Generator) and ILE (Integrated Language Environment) are staples for legacy applications on IBM i, SQL and open-source languages, like Python and Node.js, offer modern alternatives that excel in flexibility and integration.

Choosing the right tool depends on factors like application requirements, existing infrastructure, and the need for extensibility.

RPG: Ideal for Core Business Logic & Legacy Integration

RPG remains a powerful choice for business logic on IBM i, especially for applications with a long history on the platform. RPG is tightly integrated with IBM i, offering direct access to database records, which reduces processing overhead and increases efficiency.

RPG’s latest iterations, especially RPG IV and Free Format RPG, have improved readability and modernised their syntax.

ILE: Modular and Optimised for Performance

ILE is IBM’s suite for modular, reusable programming on IBM i and can be used with languages like RPG, COBOL and C.

ILE allows developers to create modules that can be reused across applications, enhancing maintainability and reducing redundant code.

In scenarios where applications demand high-performance transaction processing or need to interact seamlessly with core RPG programs, ILE is a robust option.

SQL: Optimised for Data-Centric Applications

For data-centric applications, SQL is a natural fit on IBM i.

SQL’s primary advantage lies in its declarative nature, allowing developers to write concise, readable code for data manipulation tasks. SQL’s ability to interface directly with Db2 for i makes it ideal for data-driven applications, reporting, and analytics.

Furthermore, IBM i supports SQL embedded within RPG and ILE programs, allowing developers to leverage SQL for complex data operations within traditional applications.

Open-Source Languages: Best for Web, API, and Modern Integration

Open-source languages such as Python, PHP, and Node.js offer flexibility and interoperability that IBM i-native languages sometimes lack.

These languages excel in scenarios requiring web interfaces, APIs, and microservices, making them ideal for applications needing to communicate with non-IBM systems.

For instance, Python’s libraries make it an excellent choice for machine learning or data analytics projects, while Node.js offers efficient handling of real-time data streams, beneficial for web applications.

Leveraging open-source languages also broadens IBM i’s potential by enabling integration with cloud services and modern application stacks.

Conclusion: Leveraging a Multi-Language Strategy

IBM i’s diverse language options provide organisations with a powerful toolkit for meeting evolving business demands. Each language brings distinct advantages, from RPG’s robust business logic processing and ILE’s modular performance enhancements to SQL’s data-centric capabilities and the flexibility of open-source languages.

A multi-language approach allows developers to optimise each application layer, maximising IBM i’s strengths while adopting modern technologies.

By selecting the right language for each project’s unique requirements, organisations can ensure that their IBM i environment remains both high-performing and adaptable to the future.

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