Expedite Your Search for an RPG Programmer

Hiring an RPG Programmer presents several challenges due to the specialized and somewhat outdated nature of the technology. Many experienced RPG programmers are approaching retirement, leading to a shrinking talent pool. Additionally, the skills required are unique and not widely taught, making it difficult to find candidates with the necessary expertise. Companies often seek individuals who can maintain and update legacy systems while also having the ability to integrate these systems with newer technologies. This dual requirement for maintaining old systems and adapting to modern practices makes the search for suitable candidates particularly demanding.

Yes, small businesses or companies that rely on legacy systems running on IBM i platforms can benefit significantly from having an RPG Programmer. These programmers are essential for maintaining and enhancing the stability and functionality of existing applications. For small businesses, hiring an RPG Programmer can be more cost-effective than overhauling entire systems, which can be both expensive and disruptive. Additionally, having an RPG Programmer on staff ensures that the company can quickly address any issues that arise, minimizing downtime and maintaining smooth operations.

An RPG Programmer helps a company make money by ensuring that critical applications run efficiently and reliably, supporting business operations and customer service. They save money by maintaining and updating existing systems, which avoids the high costs associated with replacing legacy systems. By optimizing performance and implementing new features within these systems, RPG Programmers can enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. They also improve processes by integrating legacy systems with newer technologies, streamlining workflows, and ensuring that data is accurately and efficiently processed across the organization.

Several key aspects are crucial to an RPG Programmer's job. Mastery of the RPG programming language and a deep understanding of IBM i system architecture are fundamental. Skills in database management and familiarity with SQL are important for handling data within legacy applications. Proficiency in debugging and optimizing code to ensure applications run smoothly is essential. Problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are necessary to address and resolve technical issues. Effective communication skills are also relevant, as RPG Programmers need to collaborate with other IT staff and understand the business requirements to translate them into technical solutions.

Common goals for RPG Programmers include maintaining the stability and performance of legacy systems to support business operations. They aim to keep their skills updated with any advancements in RPG and IBM i technologies. RPG Programmers strive to optimize legacy systems for better performance and integrate them with modern technologies where possible. Writing clean, maintainable code and following best practices for security and efficiency are key objectives. Additionally, many RPG Programmers seek to understand the business processes their applications support more deeply, enabling them to provide more effective and tailored technical solutions.

Currently, the most in-demand skills for RPG Programmers include proficiency in modern RPG, particularly Free Format RPG, which allows for more readable and maintainable code. Experience with web services and APIs to enable integration between legacy systems and modern web applications is increasingly valuable. Knowledge of database optimization and SQL is crucial for efficient data management. Skills in modernization tools and techniques, such as using RPG with newer languages like Java or .Net, are highly sought after. Familiarity with cybersecurity practices for protecting legacy systems from modern threats is also a key trend in the field.

Several areas of expertise for RPG Programmers often concern clients. Ensuring the security and integrity of legacy systems is a major area of focus, as these systems can be vulnerable to contemporary cyber threats. The ability to maintain and support aging infrastructure without disrupting business operations is another critical area. Clients are also worried about the programmer’s ability to integrate legacy systems with new technologies, ensuring seamless data exchange and functionality. The performance and scalability of legacy applications, especially as the company grows, are other key concerns. Finally, clients are anxious about the availability of skilled RPG Programmers, as the pool of experienced professionals is diminishing, making it challenging to find replacements quickly.