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A comprehensive 3-week programme delivered over 3 months, giving your staff time to digest each topic and apply new skills in the workplace between sessions. The bootcamp takes students from IBM i fundamentals through to modern ILE and open source development. Everything a professional IBM i developer needs.
As the “Knowledge Cliff” looms over the IBM i community in 2026, the hunt for senior RPG talent has reached a fever pitch, but the most strategic move isn’t hiring from the outside, it’s looking inward!
Discover why training internal apprentices in native programming (from CL to RPG/400 to modern ILE) is the most cost-effective, low-risk way to bridge the skills gap, preserve institutional logic and secure your system’s future.
Eight core subject areas spanning the full IBM i developer skill set
A solid understanding of the IBM i operating environment is essential for anyone working with modern Power Systems. This introductory module provides participants with the core knowledge needed to navigate the platform confidently, manage key system functions and understand how IBM i organises and processes information. Through a blend of explanation and hands on demonstration, attendees will gain practical familiarity with the system’s architecture, interfaces and everyday operational tools before progressing to more advanced topics.
Modern IBM i development relies on a blend of traditional tools and contemporary IDEs and this module equips participants to work confidently across both. The session introduces the classic green screen toolset still found in many environments, then moves into today's graphical development workflows using Rational Developer for i, VS Code and VS Codium. Attendees will learn how these tools connect to IBM i, how they fit into a modern development pipeline and how to choose the right environment for their day to day work.
Db2 for i sits at the heart of every IBM i application and this module gives participants the knowledge and confidence to work effectively with the platform's integrated database. Over two days, attendees will explore both the traditional command driven interfaces and the modern SQL centric tooling now standard in contemporary IBM i environments. The module builds a strong foundation in SQL development, database design, performance considerations and security, while also covering the procedural capabilities and integrity features that make Db2 for i uniquely powerful within enterprise workloads.
Control Language (CL) remains a core operational skill on IBM i, providing the glue that automates processes, manages system tasks and coordinates application workflows. This module introduces participants to the structure and behaviour of CL programs, focusing on practical techniques for handling errors, working with files and managing batch jobs. Attendees will gain hands on experience compiling CL source, interpreting compile listings and building reliable routines that support both traditional and modern IBM i environments.
A thorough introduction to the original RPG/400 language, the fixed-format cycle, file I/O, indicators & data structures. Understanding RPG/400 gives developers the context needed to maintain legacy applications & confidently transition to modern RPG styles.
RPG remains the primary business programming language on IBM i and this intensive module gives participants the skills to develop, maintain & modernise real‑world applications. The course covers both fixed‑format and fully free‑format RPG, guiding attendees through program structure, compilation, file handling techniques and the use of both traditional and SQL‑based access methods. Participants will also work with screen design tools, including classic display files and subfiles and learn how to interpret compile listings to diagnose and resolve issues effectively. By the end of the module, learners will be equipped to build robust, maintainable RPG programs suited to today’s IBM i environments.
Dive into the Integrated Language Environment and learn how IBM i applications gain power through modular design, reusable components and clean runtime management. This module demystifies binding, activation groups and service‑program architecture, giving you the skills to build structured, maintainable, future‑ready applications on IBM i.
Open‑source technologies play an increasingly important role on IBM i, enabling modern development practices, web‑based interfaces and cross‑platform integration. This two‑day module introduces participants to the wide range of programming options available on the platform, from lightweight scripting to full web application development. Attendees will explore how HTML, JavaScript and related tooling operate natively on IBM i and how contemporary frameworks can be used to build modern, maintainable solutions that complement existing RPG and CL applications.
We believe in learning by example. Every topic in the bootcamp includes hands-on exercises and practical labs where you write real code, solve real problems, and build your confidence through doing. Theoretical concepts are always reinforced by immediate practical application — you won't just learn about IBM i development, you'll practise it.
Carefully sequenced to build knowledge week by week
With over 35 years of IBM i training experience, FormaServe has built a reputation for delivering practical, instructor-led programmes that get developers productive fast. We helped write IBM's official IBM i Developer certification exams and authored IBM's own getting started course, so your team learns from the very people who shaped the curriculum.
Courses never cancelled once scheduled, even for a single student
All materials developed on a learning by example methodology
Can be delivered on-site at your premises or remotely using Microsoft Teams
Aligned to the IBM i Developer certification exam objectives
Our instructors have authored Two IBM Redbooks on IBM i development topics
Each course is limited to ten students, so every individual can be supported throughout the course
Feedback from our most recent IBM i Developer Bootcamp
"Andy made the IBM i concepts understandable, going from the very beginning and fundamentals through Control Language, RPG400, CL, RPG, RPGLE, CLLE and IFS and DB2 management. The course was very dynamic and enjoyable. Found it resourceful to polish my knowledge about the IBM i world."
IBM i Developer Bootcamp
"Outstanding training. Andy is such a good teacher and extremely knowledgeable. I learned so much from this course and it was genuinely enjoyable throughout. The training materials were kept simple and easy to read and the training sessions were really well structured, with just the right amount of theory and practical exercises. You can really tell Andy is passionate about what he does and I can't recommend this enough!"
IBM i Developer Bootcamp
"Andy was a very good tutor and tailored the training around individual needs. The course content was very in depth and covered all areas of AS/400 and programming in RPG."
IBM i Developer Bootcamp
Get in touch to discuss dates, on-site delivery options, or a bespoke version of the bootcamp tailored to your organisation's needs.
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