Common Mistakes to Avoid in iSeries RPG Development for Optimal Performance

iSeries RPG development remains a cornerstone for businesses leveraging IBM's robust systems for their critical applications. While the platform is powerful, optimal performance is contingent on understanding potential pitfalls and avoiding common mistakes in development. In this guide, we will delve into the frequent errors iSeries RPG developers encounter and provide insights on how to avoid them for enhanced efficiency and performance.

1. Overlooking Code Efficiency

Efficiency is crucial in RPG development but is often compromised in favor of getting code to work quickly. Inefficient coding practices can lead to increased resource consumption and slower application performance.

Common Efficiency Mistakes

• Redundant Data Fetching: Failing to optimize data retrieval processes by re-fetching already available data.
• Unnecessary Calculations: Re-performing the same calculations within loops without storing results.
• Ignoring Built-in Functions: Using custom code for tasks where optimized built-in functions exist.

To address these issues, always review your code for loops and conditionals that might execute excessively. Utilize available built-in functions to minimize custom code and avoid repetitive data operations.

2. Poor Database Design

Database design directly impacts application performance. Poorly designed databases lead to slower queries and increased load times, affecting overall efficiency.

Database Design Mistakes

• Non-Indexed Fields: Leading to full table scans and slow query execution.
• Improper Field Types: Using inappropriate data types leading to wasted storage or conversion overhead.
• Lack of Normalization: Repeated data storage increasing redundancy and complex queries.

Properly index key fields and ensure data types fit their intended use. Consider normalization techniques to avoid redundancy and streamline data retrieval.

3. Neglecting Error Handling

Error handling is a pivotal part of robust application development. Ignoring potential run-time errors can lead to unexpected app crashes and compromised data integrity.

Error Handling Mistakes

• Static Error Codes: Hardcoding error responses that do not adapt to different contexts.
• Lack of Logging: Failing to record error events for audit and debugging purposes.
• Uncatching Exceptions: Allowing exceptions to propagate without appropriate handling.

Implement structured error handling strategies with dynamic responses and comprehensive logging for auditing and troubleshooting purposes.

4. Failing to Use New Features

IBM regularly updates the RPG language with new features aimed at improving development efficiency and application performance. Not staying updated with these features can result in missed opportunities for optimization.

New Feature Utilization Mistakes

• Ignoring Latest Updates: Failing to incorporate new language constructs that simplify tasks.
• Underutilizing Integrated Language Environment (ILE): Missing advanced capabilities provided by ILE for modular development.

Keeping abreast of language updates through IBM resources can inform you of powerful new features that enhance development capabilities.

5. Mismanagement of Multi-Format Files

Modern RPG applications often involve handling various file formats. Mismanagement of file operations can lead to data inconsistencies and performance bottlenecks.

File Management Mistakes

• Improper File Locking: Causing application deadlocks and access conflicts.
• Incorrect Record Size Definitions: Leading to misaligned data handling.

Ensure correct file handling practices, including appropriate locking mechanisms and detailed file format definitions to prevent execution issues.

6. Inadequate Testing

Thorough testing is often bypassed due to time constraints. However, insufficient testing can result in unnoticed bugs, leading to compromised application functionality.

Testing Mistakes

• Skipping Unit Tests: Missing critical checks that ensure individual parts function correctly.
• Neglecting Integration Tests: Overlooking system-wide interaction among components.
• Limited User Acceptance Testing: Failing to validate the application against real-world usage scenarios.

Incorporate comprehensive testing throughout the development lifecycle to identify and resolve issues early. This encompasses unit, integration, and user acceptance testing to ensure high-quality deliverables.

Conclusion

iSeries RPG development presents a unique set of challenges that require thoughtful strategies to overcome. By recognizing and avoiding these common mistakes, developers can significantly enhance application performance and streamline their workflows. Stay updated with the latest RPG enhancements, focus on code efficiency, and prioritize thorough testing to ensure your applications are robust, reliable, and ready to serve business needs effectively.