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RDi 9.8.0.0 �What’s new in 2nd Quarter of 2023?

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Fortra, the new face of HelpSystems

fortra.com

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Steve Ferrell

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Principal Software Engineer Lead of Rational Developer for IBM i, ABSTRACT, and RPG Toolbox at Fortra

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27 years at Fortra working in IBM i development

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Contact me on Linked in:

www.linkedin.com/in/steve-ferrell-rdi

�Watch my 90 second videos:�https://www.youtube.com/@SteveFerrellRDiVideos��Best site for finding everything about RDi:

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/ibm-rational-developer-i-hub�

Introduction

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We review and implement the IDEAs added by the community!�https://ibm-power-systems.ideas.ibm.com/ideas

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We work closely with the IBM to continuously improve RDi to help YOU be more productive.�

Fortra (HelpSystems founded in 1982) has been IBM i since it was created, and our developers USE RDi daily.

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Customer interviews – One on one conversations with me and you.

�Our ALPHA/BETA program with users and 3rd party vendors.

(www.linkedin.com/in/steve-ferrell-rdi)�

Partnership��You, IBM, and our 3rd party vendors!

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RDi Roadmap

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Q2 2023 - 9.8.0.0

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  • New version of Eclipse (4.23)
  • P2 installs
  • Templates for new members
  • Updated Code Coverage views
  • New History view
  • Show in outline�

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Q4 2023 – 9.8.0.1

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  • While we are unable to fully share�our roadmap, feel confident that�Fortra will continue to enhance�RDi to so users will be more productive, secure, and up to date�with the latest RPGLE enhancements!
  • Our IBM i developers use RDi daily
  • We monitor the IBM Ideas to help us formulate our next roadmap.
  • Keeping you secure, helping you �be more productive, and keeping �up with the lates new RPGLE �content are our priorities because�we know they are YOUR priorities!

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Q3 2022 - 9.6.0.12

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  • Refactor procedure to include more parameters
  • Quick fix – comment/delete unused references
  • Quick fix - create missing D-Spec and procedures

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In Progress

Next

Previously Released

This document is provided for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and is not a binding commitment. The development, timing and release of any products remains at the sole discretion of Fortra and is subject to change.

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Portable install images with Java

Updates can occur directly in RDi 9.8.0.0

Uses the same installs of new code as 3rd party vendors

No Installation Manager!

What is P2?

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Installing on macOS

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  • Download the package
  • Open the folder for macOS
  • Grab the IBM Rational Developer for i.dmg (disk image)
  • Double click or right-click and select open

Visit my you tube channel for a quick how-to install on macOS in 90 seconds or less

https://youtu.be/iEulB0UV59A

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Installing on macOS continued

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  • Now you will see a folder IBM Rational Developer for i
  • Open the folder and you will see the disk image

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Installing on macOS continued

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  • Now drag IBM Rational Developer for i to the Applications folder
  • Note: it’s the one with the name ^
  • You may also drag it to any other location you wish
  • That’s it! Now you can open Applications and run RDi 9.8.0.0!
  • To clean up your desktop, simply close the window
  • Right-click on the IBM Rational Developer for I folder
  • Select Eject
  • Now you can keep the DMG or move it to the trash

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Installing on Windows

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  • Download the zip package
  • Use your favorite archive tool, right click to Extract files
  • Import note about Windows default extract tool
  • Extract will only work if your configuration is setup for extended file names
  • Never use extract here; Windows will fail since the window is open.

Visit my you tube channel for a quick how-to install RDi 9.8.0.0 on Windows

https://youtu.be/ysH7K-dLzBk

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Installing on Windows - continued

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  • Select a folder to install into
  • Press OK and wait for it to finish extracting
  • Then open the folder and click RDi.exe!�

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Creating shortcuts to find your install quickly:

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  • Windows – right-click select create shortcut
  • macOS – right-click select Make Alias

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  • Then drag the shortcut to your desktop!�

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Getting started

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  • On both Windows and macOS, you will be presented with a Features with Trial Licenses.
  • You WILL be presented this each time you restart RDi until you apply a permanent license.
  • Note: You will need a new license download from IBM, and install it using
  • Showing the Windows version
  • macOS has the buttons reversed from the display

Visit my you tube channel for a quick 90 second video on how-to install your Authorized User license in about 90 seconds!

https://youtu.be/XE5ZObicsAQ

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Install License

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  • Unzip the Parts list from ESS (or wherever you get your Authorized User license
  • You WILL need a new 9.8 P2 license

Visit my you tube channel for a quick 90 second video on how-to install your Authorized User license in about 90 seconds!

https://youtu.be/XE5ZObicsAQ

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Install License

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  • IBM would like you to read the readme on how to install, but here are the important steps!
  • Open the unzipped folder and notice the P2 zip file.

Visit my you tube channel for a quick 90 second video on how-to install your Authorized User license in about 90 seconds!

https://youtu.be/XE5ZObicsAQ

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Install License

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  • Click Help -> option Install New Software

Visit my you tube channel for a quick 90 second video on how-to install your Authorized User license in about 90 seconds!

https://youtu.be/XE5ZObicsAQ

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Install License

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  • Click the Add… button and select Archive…

Visit my you tube channel for a quick 90 second video on how-to install your Authorized User license in about 90 seconds!

https://youtu.be/XE5ZObicsAQ

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Install License

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  • Browse to where you unzipped your file and select it �and press open

Visit my you tube channel for a quick 90 second video on how-to install your Authorized User license in about 90 seconds!

https://youtu.be/XE5ZObicsAQ

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Install License

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  • Give it a name and press Add

Visit my you tube channel for a quick 90 second video on how-to install your Authorized User license in about 90 seconds!

https://youtu.be/XE5ZObicsAQ

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RDi 9.8.0.0 P2 Install License

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  • Select the Activation kit and press Next
  • Accept the license if displayed
  • Press Finish!

Visit my you tube channel for a quick 90 second video on how-to install your Authorized User license in about 90 seconds!

https://youtu.be/XE5ZObicsAQ

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new?

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  • Built upon Eclipse 4.23
  • Lots of changes since 4.6
  • Improved dark theme
  • RDi connections will now default to secure communications
    • You may turn it off, but check with your IT department
  • The default encryption algorithm is more secure!
    • Note: If you have saved passwords from a previous version �You will need to clear those, set a new secure storage password�and resave your passwords.
  • The Quick access is replaced with a spyglass (ctrl-3 for quick access)
  • Preferences can be imported and exported right from the preferences�page!
  • A new Remote Edit history view has been added; quick access to �what you’ve been working on!
  • New mini map view��

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new?

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  • Ctrl-3, type history
  • You will notice a new Remote Edit History panel
  • Any opened resource type, location or connection
  • Can be sorted by any column

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new?

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  • Double click to open
  • Notice you can even edit Word 365 Documents while not �leaving RDi 9.8.0.0!
  • If you have saved your quick filters or created your filters in�RSE, you can also select Show in RSE to find the location.

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • Open the preferences file
  • New ILE RPGLE DEFAULT template
  • Eclipse has removed SNIPPETS view from the�base Eclipse. Because of this, Fortra and IBM�be extending templates.�

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • Go into the Object Table view
  • Press F6
  • Notice the library, file, type �are all filled in now for the type you had �selected
  • All you need to type is the Member name�and Text (Description)
  • By default, all new RPGLE members will �use the new DEFAULT free-form-template.
  • If you wish, you may select *NONE or change�the dropdown to a new template you have �created. (See below: I’ll show you how�to create new ones shortly!).�

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • Your new member is generated, and �the fields in the template are filled in�for you!�

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • Go into preferences, type templates and�Select ILE RPG Templates
  • Feel free to customize the template to YOUR�needs.
  • Fields that are generated today:
    • File
    • Text
    • User
    • Date

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  • In future releases we will expand on �templates allowing users to create your �own fields like the company one.���

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • To create a new free-form-template, select�the New… button
  • In the Context: dropdown, select the�FREE-FORM-TEMPLATE
  • Now add your template
  • Give it a name and description
  • Press OK
  • Now it will show up in Content Assist�and on the F6 New Member from the �Object Table view����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • I copied an existing template (from a source member)�and pasted it into a new template named FORTRA.
  • Then I created a new member, gave it a name, description�and type
  • Then I used content assist at position 1 of the file
    • Ctrl-Space bar
  • And I’m presented with a list of Fully Free templates���Note: if I was on column 8 or beyond, I get a larger list�of templates, but the first would be Fully Free Templates�since my member doesn’t specify **free yet� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • Press enter and your template is filled in!
  • No longer will users need to copy an �existing member.
  • Copy the contents of your header
  • Replace data with the template fields
  • Add any required items
  • And now you can quickly re-use your �newly created templates!
  • Export them so other users can share�them, and your entire team can now�use the proper documentation style�that your team requires!� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • Export them so other users can share�them, and your entire team can now�use the proper documentation style�that your team requires!
  • Go File -> Export -> Expand Rational Developer for I�then select Configuration files and press Next>
  • Un-select Eclipse Preferences and Remote Systems�Artifacts and expand Editor Templates
  • By default, only your newly created will be selected. If �you changed the DEFAULT one, select it as well. Note �can see the template by hovering over it�
  • Select Next>� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • Use browse or type in a location for your saved templates�See mine called templates2share.cfg. (You must specify the�.cfg)
  • Then press Finish
  • Go into Windows or macOS file finder and send the newly�created configuration file with your handy new templates�to all of your co-workers.��Note: You can do this with ALL types of templates, including�your cool code snippets as well.� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? FREE-FORM-TEMPLATES!

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  • Now that you have those exported templates, let’s import�them!
  • Simply select Import -> Rational Developer for i ->�Configuration Files
  • Select the file you shared for each other
  • Select from the templates presented. (Note: you must�select DEFAULT and any others you currently have to �override your current settings.) IE If you wish to override �DEFAULT.
  • Then you will be prompted to restart RDi for them to be�applied.�� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – How do I copy my Snippets to Templates?

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  • We understand some users have snippets they need
  • Easy process to copy them – open 96012 and 9800
  • You likely have a mod date snippet
    • Copy it to a free-form template
    • Edit your new default template like the next �screen� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – How do I copy my Snippets to Templates?

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  • Use your snippet code as your default template� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – How do I copy my Snippets to Templates?

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  • Ctl-space to get the template� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – How do I copy my Snippets to Templates?

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  • Now to add your new Template you copied as a snippet, type MO then press ctrl + space and find MODDATE we created
  • Notice the date and username are filled in and the cursor is ready for your comments!�����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? Show in Outline!

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  • The outline isn’t new. But sometimes you want to�see how a field is used. So now you can Ctrl+F3�to Show in Outline!
  • When you select the menu or use Ctrl+F3, the�outline is displayed (if hidden or closed) and�it’s positioned to the definition so you can see�HOW the field is used!�� �����

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – So what’s new? MiniMap view of source

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  • Press ctrl+3 to bring up the quick finder�then type mini and select MiniMap
  • Open your source member
  • On those very long members that someone�ELSE wrote, you get a high-level view of where�in the source you are.
  • You can navigate from the member, or from the �MiniMap.

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – Quickly see and open copy and include files

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  • Hover over a /copy or /include to see the full member!
  • We include a hyperlink that will open the member at �the top of the hover, or you would rather, open the�member holding control key and hover over to open

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RDi 9.8.0.0 – Outline give even more information now

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  • The outline now lets you know the line a file is used, �and what the operation is!

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Thank You��Visit Steve Ferrell’s YouTube channel for how to videos in 90 seconds or less:��https://www.youtube.com/@SteveFerrellRDiVideos

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