Re: Experienced RPGLE developer to finally learn Java

[Pete Helgren <pete@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Java is about all I do now but I started with it in about 2001. The jump 
from RPG III to Java was painful although I used the Java for RPG 
Programmers book as a general guide.  What I have found is that my Java 
skills make picking up other languages much easier and I think it is the 
OO orientation of the language.  Most popular languages today have at 
least an OO concept in mind, if not a full implementation.  So, I count 
my Java skills as a plus. It also made my transition to /FREE easier.  
Once you are unfettered by position you can construct your code more 
rationally.

My Java development also made RDi a snap to get comfortable with because 
I live in the Eclipse world most of the day (with long stretches in VS 
Code as well).  I am a seat of the pants programmer so I tend to graze 
the Internet when I need some help. I don't learn well "online".  I have 
taken three instructor-led, in person, courses over the past many years 
and they have been immensely helpful.  IBM also has a great Java team 
that can help when you flat out break something.

I am not sure how helpful an RPG to Java language side by side example 
will help with learning curve.  I had proposed a Java Introduction for 
RPG programmers session at Common conferences before.  I am not sure how 
much interest there is from RPG'ers in jumping to Java or even learning 
it.  I love the language though. Most of my work is not console or UI 
related.  I write mostly Web Apps using Java Servlets (which run like a 
champ on Tomcat on IBM i)

Pete Helgren
www.petesworkshop.com
GIAC Secure Software Programmer-Java
Twitter - Sys_i_Geek  IBM_i_Geek

On 10/16/2019 12:48 PM, Jay Vaughn wrote:
> As a small intro, I have been on the IBMi platform (and predecessors) for
> well over 20 years now.
> I am very proficient at RPGLE and DB2 SQL.
> I understand ILE concepts well.
>
> I am looking for best online resources to begin learning java on the
> platform.
>
> I began looking at visualAge but it appears it is no longer supported and
> was wondering if RDI is an adequate IDE for java on the i.
>
> I best learn by example and comparing an rpgle pgm to a java pgm example
> would be most appealing.
>
> I appreciate any guidance you can provide.
>
> Jay