Re: Merlin

The only thing I would add is this:

If you are developing reports or screens with RLU or SDA, PDM or RDI are your only options.

I don't believe VS Code, Merlin, etc have a mechanism to support the older stuff. And from what I hear there's nothing in the works for that.

Unfortunately that means RPG developers can't really go fully to VS Code without those mechanisms unless they want to hand code DDS keywords.

Although for editing RPG definitely VS Code all day.

Let's just hope PDM/SDA/RLU don't go away for another decade or so, unless there's a secret project brewing alongside AI stuff 😊

Regards,
Richard Schoen
Web: http://www.richardschoen.net
Email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

----------------------------------------------------------------------

message: 1
date: Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:40:43 -0500
from: Jim Oberholtzer <midrangel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
subject: Re: Merlin

Well, they have not made that statement. That said, when creating Merlin, IBM spent a good deal of money getting the VSCode extensions ready and integrating into Merlin. So why do that if RDI is the direction? When you hear IBM call a program strategic ,as I?ve heard about RDI, that usually means it?s close to end of development. Maybe not true in RDIs case since they?ve outsourced it to Fortra but ya gotta wonder.

Also, VSCode runs about anywhere without issues, VS. the drama that accompanies any Windows update. Again, coincidence? I think not.

Ask IBM and you?ll get a great non-answer.


Jim Oberholtzer
Agile Technology Architects