Is RPG Language Still Relevant for Job Opportunities?

I’ve got friends who are actively using RPG on IBM i systems. You’re definitely not alone! These systems are constantly in use by various businesses, which means there are still opportunities out there. Just keep digging through listings; there might be roles needing RPG skills that aren't explicitly labeled.

I learned RPG back in the late 70s, and honestly, once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty readable and straightforward. It may not compete with more powerful reporting tools like Crystal Reports, but its stability is a big plus—no rebranding or obsolescence every couple of years! So, while not trendy, it still has its merits.

You’d be surprised, but legacy systems are still alive and kicking, especially in sectors like healthcare and banking. Many companies need developers to either convert old code to newer languages like Java or maintain the existing RPG systems. It’s a mixed bag—great job security but can be pretty monotonous since the work often doesn’t change much over time. Plus, fewer younger developers are taking these jobs due to the lack of modern practices, which could work in your favor if you stick with it!

Welcome aboard! RPG is one of those older mainframe languages that many have fondly dubbed 'the ancient languages' alongside COBOL and PL/I. While it’s still in use in some legacy systems, most companies are actively transitioning to more modern languages. So, there might be job options on older systems, but they’re becoming rarer as modernization takes place.