Welcome to another edition of Talsco Weekly

IBM i Brief: 🔍 IBM i PTF Guide Highlights. 💻 IBM Power9 machines: Secondhand market analysis. 📈 Db2 Web Query partnership ends. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery for the IBM i.
Career: 🌱 How to stay relevant in the job market as an RPG Developer. The Irrelevance of Age.
Development: 🖥️ Discovering Node.js. 🖥️ What is the difference between Software Developers and Software Engineers? 📈 Python dominates TIOBE Index in March 2024. Languages that stand the test of time.

IBM i Brief

This week in IBM i PTF Land, there are no security vulnerabilities reported. Find updated group PTFs for releases 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3, along with new links added to the guide. Check the defect rundown for the latest PTF fixes by release. See the guide for more details.

💻 IBM Power9 machines: Secondhand market analysis

I have always seen the value in used cars. Why should it not be the same for Power?

Data Tech Computer Services in Georgia offers stripped-down Power9 systems with 32-64 GB memory, basic storage, and IBM i running. Prices depend on expandability for workload capacity. IBM sells core activations for Power9’s, but licensing changes are expected.

Looking for a secondhand Power9?

Consider reaching out to Data Tech for a second opinion.

📈 Db2 Web Query partnership ends

ibi provides insight into the breakup with IBM.

the OEM breakup was due to an inability for the two sides to agree on a restructured contract following the ownership change of ibi

Existing customers are urged to think about moving to WebFOCUS, a similar product offering modern enhancements and support. Transition process details.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery for the IBM i

“Does anybody remember when IBM AS/400 started this approach 30 years ago for PTFs or OS patches?”

Google’s new seamless update uses an A/B partition approach for Android OS updates.

Takeaway: The IBM i (AS/400) is ahead of its time.

Career

🌱 How to stay relevant in the job market as an RPG Developer

This article highlights that:

Gen X workers are being sidelined for roles as younger candidates are favored, leading to frustration and challenges in securing employment.

For those of us in the IBM i community, I find this humorous, that Gen Xers (of which I am one) are considered part of the younger group in the IBM i community.

Members of Gen X, born between 1965 and 1980

While Baby Boomers are considered the veterans in the community,

Baby Boomers, born between 1946 to 1964

The Irrelevance of Age

The concept of age is irrelevant when it comes to assessing the value of RPG developers.

While it is true that RPG developers who have been around for a while at some point in their career might ask themselves,

“Am I too old?”

However, better question(s) might be:

Are my skills relevant?
Have I kept up with the technological advancements of the platform?
Do I have a fixed or growth mindset?

Many experienced RPG developers have questioned whether their age affects their career prospects, but a more pertinent line of inquiry should revolve around the relevance of their skills, their adaptability to technological advancements, and their mindset toward growth and learning.

A developer solely proficient in fixed format RPG may encounter limitations in their opportunities, just as an entry-level RPG developer who lacks an understanding of fixed format RPG and business knowledge may face similar constraints.

Remember: It’s never too late to learn.

The Relevance of Wisdom and Experience

When hiring, it is important to acknowledge the relevance of wisdom and experience in seasoned RPG developers.

While it’s wise to gauge the career longevity of an RPG developer for planning and modernization purposes, the true value of a senior RPG developer lies in the business process and tribal knowledge they have picked up over the years.

When hiring, IBM i Managers should consider the current state of their IBM i environment and how they define modernization. The invaluable wisdom and experience that RPG developers with 25 to 35 years of experience bring to the table is critical.

Development

🖥️ Discovering Node.js

If you are an RPG developer stepping out into the open-source world and learning Node.js, you might be interested in its origin story.

The inception of Node.js traces back to 2008, when Ryan Dahl combined Google’s V8 non-blocking servers and JavaScript, challenging the then-prevalent notion of JavaScript as merely a client-side language. This story explores Node.js’s rise, its forking dramas, and the complex relationship between open-source communities and corporate interests, featuring insights from key figures like Dahl and Isaac Schlueter.

🖥️ What is the difference between Software Developers and Software Engineers?

This article dissects the nuanced differences between Software Developers and Software Engineers.

It dives into the engineering mindset, highlighting system thinking, analytical skills, creativity, attention to detail, problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous learning as key attributes of a Software Engineer.

It concludes that Software Developers are more focused on coding and implementation, underlining their essential role in translating requirements into functional software.

With evolving tech landscapes, both roles offer substantial career growth and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of aligning with one’s skills and interests for a fulfilling tech career.

📈 Python dominates TIOBE Index in March 2024.

You might ask, what is the TIOBE Index?

The TIOBE Index is a monthly ranking system that measures the popularity of programming languages based on criteria like skilled engineers, courses, and third-party vendors. It provides insights into language trends and is widely used by developers and companies to understand which languages are in demand or gaining traction in the industry.

In a rather uneventful February for the TIOBE index, Python emerges as the clear leader, boasting a significant 4.5% lead over other languages. (We are certainly seeing an uptick in the use of Python in the IBM i community.)

On a side note, RPG ranks #42

Languages that stand the test of time.

Have you considered picking up a new language in addition to RPG?

JavaScript, according to StackOverflow, has been at the top of the list for many years.

Here are their survey results from 2016 and 2023.

Opinion:

We believe learning any new language will add value to the RPG developer. It’s not necessarily the language you learn, but the skill of learning that offers the real value.

Having said this, JavaScript, as an option, can significantly expand an RPG developer’s skill set, enabling the ability to build modern, interactive web applications and interfaces.

Join

Contact us

If you are an RPG programmer looking to explore opportunities or a client who is looking for a talented IBM i professional, please contact us. We look forward to assisting you.

Do you know of someone who could benefit from Talsco Weekly? If so, please use the social media buttons to spread the word. Thank you!

Talsco Weekly: How to stay relevant in the job market as an RPG Developer