Migration RPG

Migration RPG is an IBM RPG II compatible compiler which runs under OpenVMS. It can be used to develop or migrate software applications written in various versions of RPG and RPG II to the OpenVMS environment Over the past two decades, Migration RPG has been used to successfully move RPG applications from the following platforms:

Migration RPG provides a complete application development kit, including full documentation, source code editor, program and screen compilers, and support utilities. The product is designed to develop new RPG applications, maintain existing RPG applications, and migrate legacy RPG applications. Migration RPG is supported on Digital and Compaq VAX, Compaq and HP Alpha, and HP Integrity processors running OpenVMS. Migration RPG also runs on PC's that take advantage of our virtual VAX and Alpha solutions.

This page contains overviews of the Migration RPG programming language, compiler features, the Screen Format Generator, and the compiler kit. The Migration RPG Software Product Description (SPD) contains a detailed description of the product and a comparison of Migration RPG, IBM RPG II, and VAX RPG II.

Migration RPG Sales & Service

Migration RPG Programming Language

Migration RPG is a programming language oriented for use in business data processing operations involving data file manipulation and report generation. User application programs are developed within defined specifications that describe data file, workstation, input, output, calculation, and control parameters.

Migration RPG is an extended implementation of the RPG II programming language, originally developed by IBM for commercial applications. It supports most of the features found in the IBM System/3, System/34, and System/36 RPG II, and includes extensions for structured RPG programming and integration with the OpenVMS operating system.

Migration RPG was originally developed to make the porting of IBM RPG II applications to the OpenVMS operating system possible. Migration RPG has also been used to port other vendor RPG's, such as WANG, Sperry, Burroughs, and Digital PDP and VAX RPG II. Migration RPG offers varying degrees of compatibility with these versions of RPG.

Migration RPG Screen Format Generator

The Migration RPG Compiler Kit includes a Screen Format Generator. This utility is used to compile screen specifications to generate interactive workstation display screens for entering and viewing data. Screen specifications are used to define the following screen types:

• Interactive program screens
• Help screens
• Menus
• Prompts

Migration RPG Compiler Kit

• RPG - RPG Compiler: Generates an object module from RPG source specifications.
• SFG - Screen Format Generator: Generates a screen object module from S, H, and D screen format specifications.
• AUTOC - Auto Report Utility: Used to assemble an RPG program which contains /COPY members and compiler directives.
• RPGCON - Console Utility: Generates screen S & D specifications for files containing console specifications.
• RDP - File Dump Utility: Used to generate a hexadecimal dump of a file which contains ASCII or EBCDIC data.
• RPGMSG - Message File Utility: Used to create and maintain files containing text that may be accessed by an RPG program through message identification codes (MIC).
• RED - Full Screen RPG Editor: A full screen editor designed for the entry, manipulation, and modification of RPG source code.
• REX - External Indicator and Date Utility: Allows the setting of external indicators (U1 - U8) and the definition of a date other than the system date.
• PROMPT - Prompt Screen Utility: Allows a DCL command file to display a screen that was defined using Migration RPG S, H, and D specifications. The data keyed into the screen by the user is used to maintain and update the local symbols P1 - P64.
• MENU - Menu Utility: Supports menus using Migration RPG S, H, and D specifications to generate the menu screen.

Migration RPG Compiler Features

• Language implementation that includes features of RPG II, such as table and array handling, multiple input file processing, and the ability to perform input/output operations during the calculation cycle.
• Op code support for CHAIN, EXCPT, READ, READE, READP, DSPLY, MOVE, MOVEA, SET, KEY, SQRT, CASxx, DEFN, DO, DOUxx, DOWxx, ELSE, END/DO, END/DOU, END/DOW, END/IF, END/CAS, IFxx, test/move zones, fetch overflow, look ahead, and bit text/clear/set.
• Support for data structures, 512-byte local data area, full procedural files, workstation screens, and help screens.
• The ability to access and maintain data files with RPG programs in a batch or interactive operation modes. Migration RPG takes full advantage of the native OpenVMS RMS file system. Data files created and maintained by Migration RPG can be accessed by any other application that supports the RMS file system.

RPG History

RPG was originally released by IBM in 1964 for business application development. RPG II's original release was in 1969 on the IBM System/3. RPG II's development continued through the 1970's and 1980's on the IBM System/34 and System/36. In 1990, RPG stood just behind COBOL as the second most prevalent language used in business programming. IBM has continued RPG's development, with RPG ILE currently running on their System i platform.