In this article, we will explore how to set up your development environment to begin working with Control Language Programming (CLP) on IBM i (formerly AS400). Setting up the right environment is essential for writing, testing, and running your CL programs efficiently. We’ll cover both legacy and modern tools, including SEU, RDi, Access Client Solutions, and the Visual Studio Code plugin “Code for i.”
Understanding the IBM i Development Ecosystem
IBM i is a robust and integrated platform with various tools for development, including legacy text-based tools like SEU, modern Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like RDi, and even options for using popular editors like Visual Studio Code. Below are the main development tools available for CL programming on IBM i:
- Source Entry Utility (SEU): The traditional editor for writing CL programs.
- Program Development Manager (PDM): Utility for managing source members and libraries.
- Rational Developer for i (RDi): IBM's modern, Eclipse-based IDE for IBM i development.
- Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A popular code editor with the Code for i plugin, offering a modern interface for IBM i programming.
- Access Client Solutions (ACS): A GUI tool to access IBM i system functions.
- 5250 Terminal Emulation: A terminal interface for direct interaction with the system.
We’ll now discuss how to set up your environment using these tools.
Option 1: Setting Up with SEU and PDM (Legacy Tools)
Though SEU and PDM are considered legacy tools, they remain widely used for CL programming on IBM i. If you are working in an environment that still uses these tools, here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Logging into IBM i
You’ll need to log into the IBM i system using a terminal emulator:
- IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS): Provides a 5250 terminal emulator.
- TN5250J: An open-source terminal emulator for accessing IBM i.
Step 2: Using PDM to Manage Source Members
To develop a CL program, first create a source member in a source physical file. PDM is used for managing these files.
Enter
STRPDMon the IBM i command line to start PDM:STRPDMIn PDM, select Option 3 to work with source file members and create a new member in a source physical file like
QCLSRC.
Step 3: Writing CL Programs with SEU
To write CL programs, use SEU. Once you’ve created the source member in PDM, type 2=Edit next to the member name to open SEU. This line-based editor allows you to input your CL code.
Here’s an example CL program using the correct statement to send a message:
PGM SNDPGMMSG MSG('Hello, World!') ENDPGM
Step 4: Compiling the CL Program
After writing your CL code, compile it with the CRTCLPGM command:
CRTCLPGM PGM(LIBRARY/PROGRAM_NAME) SRCFILE(LIBRARY/QCLSRC)
Option 2: Setting Up with Rational Developer for i (RDi)
Rational Developer for i (RDi) is IBM’s Eclipse-based IDE, offering a modern interface with code assistance, debugging, and more.
Step 1: Installing and Configuring RDi
Download and install RDi from IBM’s website. Once installed, configure your connection to IBM i through Remote Systems Explorer (RSE). After connecting, you can manage source files, members, and libraries through the IDE.
Step 2: Writing CL Programs in RDi
Once connected, create a new source member and write your CL programs using RDi’s powerful editor. Syntax highlighting and code suggestions make development easier.
For example:
PGM SNDPGMMSG MSG('Hello, World!') ENDPGM
Step 3: Compiling and Running the CL Program in RDi
RDi allows you to compile directly from the IDE. Right-click on the source member and select Compile to run the CRTCLPGM command and compile your program.
Option 3: Using Visual Studio Code with the "Code for i" Plugin
For those who prefer Visual Studio Code (VS Code), the Code for i plugin enables development on IBM i. This modern editor offers a lightweight and highly customizable environment.
Step 1: Installing Visual Studio Code and Code for i Plugin
- Download and install VS Code.
- Install the Code for i plugin from the VS Code extensions marketplace.
Step 2: Connecting to IBM i
Once the plugin is installed, configure the connection to your IBM i system by entering your system's hostname and credentials. This plugin allows you to browse libraries, edit source members, and compile programs directly within VS Code.
Step 3: Writing CL Programs in VS Code
Using the Code for i plugin, you can create and edit CL programs just like in RDi. Here’s an example CL program written in VS Code:
PGM SNDPGMMSG MSG('Hello, World!') ENDPGM
VS Code provides syntax highlighting and code completion for CL, making it a versatile tool for IBM i development.
Step 4: Compiling and Running CL Programs in VS Code
You can compile your CL programs directly from VS Code by using the built-in commands from the Code for i plugin, which automatically invokes the appropriate IBM i commands.
Option 4: Using IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS)
IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS) provides access to IBM i systems, including a 5250 terminal emulator and system management tools. You can also edit source members using ACS’s built-in editor.
Step 1: Installing and Configuring ACS
- Download IBM i Access Client Solutions from IBM’s website.
- Install ACS on your local machine and configure the connection to your IBM i system.
Step 2: Writing CL Programs in ACS
You can create and edit source members using either the terminal emulator or ACS’s Source Editor, which provides syntax highlighting.
Conclusion
Setting up your CL development environment on IBM i can be done using a variety of tools, from legacy options like SEU and PDM to modern IDEs such as RDi and even Visual Studio Code with the Code for i plugin. Each tool offers different strengths, allowing you to pick the one that best suits your workflow.
With this setup, you are ready to start writing, editing, and compiling CL programs. In our next article, we’ll take a deeper dive into Data Types and Variables in CL programming, covering how to manage and manipulate data effectively in your programs. Stay tuned!
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