RPG (programming language)

The RPG programming language was originally developed by IBM to generate business reports. Its acronym stands for Report Program Generator. The first version appeared in 1959.

In 1960 RPG was created for the 1400 family, but the final version for the IBM 360 was not released until 1964. It has been updated several times, giving rise to different versions of the language. One of the last updates that have been made to date is the RPG/IV in 1995, available with the IBM computers of the AS/400 family. Subsequently, in 2001, and with the appearance of version 5 of OS/400, a new modification of the language arose, supporting programming in free format from that moment on. Also, built-in functions that replace many of the old indicators and operation codes are developed. All these additions allow the RPG to become a much more readable, clear, flexible and modern language.

Among its main characteristics we can highlight the following:

1. Guidance to the production of reports.
2. Make calculations easily.
3. Use different encoding sheets for file description, data entry, results output, etc.