I was interviewed today for an entry level programming job. I only have knowledge of Python at a basic level, but the hiring manager wants me to learn a little about the development side of AS400 using RPG 400 or RPGFree. I have to send him something I've learned by this Friday.
I'm not sure where to go for resources to learn with or what text editor or IDE I need to use for this. I can't find anything solid online. Do you guys have any suggestions?
As far as I'm aware, there's no IDE for developing in RPG that doesn't require a connection to an AS400. So, in order to really learn how to develop in RPG, you must be able to access an AS400, which is a little inconvenient for newcomers.
There is a free IDE called "RPG Next Gen Editor" that's built on the Eclipse platform. You can check it out here, but as I mentioned above, it requires a connection to an AS400. It's similar in function to IBM's Rational Developer, which is far superior, but the price tag is much better! https://sourceforge.net/projects/rpgnextgen/
Finding resources online for "RPG" can be a little tricky because most of the results you end up getting are for RPG role-playing games. When searching Google for resources on RPG programming, it's helpful to search instead for "RPGLE", which is short for ILE RPG IV.
A good place to start might be here in the IBM wiki: https://ibm.biz/rpgCafe_Freeform_Rpg_Tutorial
Note that this tutorial is VERY basic.
Also see Scott Klement's "How to Learn" page, which lists a few books you can buy that will really help you out if you get the job. I HIGHLY recommend the "Programming in RPG IV" book by Bryan Meyers and Jim Buck. This was the textbook used in a class I took, but it's actually set up in such a manner that you could easily read through the book and teach yourself RPG in a few weeks time. It teaches file design, display file design, and RPG programming, so it's really the whole package with plenty of tutorials and sample programs. https://www.scottklement.com/rpg/howtolearn.html
Good luck, and welcome to the world of RPG!
This is all a little off topic for here. But, there are actually quite a few resources out there if you know where to look. For an IDE, you can read this. And while it is not really as good as it used to be, pub400.com can be used to try things out (but not save them for later) for free. There are also a few other IBM i timeshare systems like TimeShare400. Rikas consulting owner of pub400.com also has reasonably priced timeshare systems for individual developers. Then there is iDevCloud, and litmis for more $$.
In addition you can get help at midrange.com. There is a thriving community there to answer all your IBM i/RPG/CLP/whatever questions.
