Programming in VAX RPG Il

This document, "Programming in VAX RPG II," published by Digital Equipment Corporation in November 1985, serves as a comprehensive guide and reference for programmers familiar with the VAX RPG II language. It is designed for VAX/VMS V4.2 or later and MicroVMS V4.2 or later operating systems, supporting VAX RPG II V2.0.

The manual is structured into two main parts:

• Part I: Programming Information outlines the practical aspects of RPG II development. This includes the fundamental fixed "logic cycle" of RPG II programs; instructions on compiling, linking, running, and debugging; and detailed usage of the VAX RPG II editor. Key RPG II concepts such as indicators (for program control), comprehensive file management (organizations, access methods, creation, updates, and matching records), and printer output file handling (editing, formatting, page control) are explained. It also covers using tables and arrays for data management, calling system routines and subprograms, interpreting compiler listings, and program optimization.

• Part II: Language Information provides an in-depth reference to the VAX RPG II language. It details language elements (character set, data types, user-defined names) and comprehensive descriptions of all RPG II specifications (Control, File Description, Extension, Line Counter, Input, Calculation, Output) and operation codes (covering arithmetic, data movement, control flow, I/O, and subprogram calls).

Appendices offer supplementary technical details, including character sets, differences from PDP-11 RPG II for migration, and performance analysis.