The Modern RPG IV Language, 2nd Edition

Internationally recognized RPG expert Bob Cozzi has updated his classic work on RPG IV to include all of the new function and features that have been included in the language since 1996 - including the new D-specs plus more than 30 new opcodes and built-in functions. Cozzi takes you through the language from the very foundations to the most advanced technique. At the core of the value of this book are the chapters on Built-In Functions and opcodes. Cozzi details each BIF and opcode with a syntax table that gives you the information you need at a glance plus an explanation of the how and why of usage. And this isn't just a book on theory and rules. Cozzi includes over 100 charts and tables that show you how the rules apply. He also includes samples of the functions and operations in real-life code examples - over 350 individual examples.

This is a book that you will turn to again and again as you program in RPG IV. Upon completion, you will understand the foundations of RPG IV including structure, specifications, and opcodes, work with each of the specification formats, integrate RPG with DDS specifications for files and displays, program expressions in assignment, declarative, and compare statements, work with parameters and return values, program using the rich set of built-in functions, process full procedural files sequentially and randomly, and use program and file status codes.

This book also covers the following: working with date, time, and timestamp opcodes, using operation extenders, program both embedded and external subprocedures, and knowing how to export global variables. In addition, you will know how to export global variables, and understand how to optimize RPG programs for performance, control program logic without indicators, program with modular design, use data areas effectively, define a prototyped subprocedure, and have a complete reference to all BIFs and OpCodes in RPG IV.

An RPG programmer since 1978, Bob Cozzi is the author of several books on the AS/400, including The Modern RPG Language with Structured Programming--the most widely-used RPG reference manual in the world. In 1981, he began publishing and editing the first of what was to be several System/3X publications, including Q38 Technical Journal and Midrange magazine. Now retired from the magazine business, Bob divides his time between developing computing products and aerospace R & D.