Learn RPG on IBM i with VSCode. Variable-Dimension Arrays (AUTO and VAR)

Did you know that modern RPG supports arrays that can grow and shrink while your program is running? Most RPG developers learn fixed-size arrays very early in their journey, but many never discover one of the most powerful features added to RPG in recent years: ✅ Variable-dimension arrays In this episode, we explore how to create dynamic arrays using: 🔹 DIM(*VAR) 🔹 DIM(*AUTO) You'll learn how to: ✔️ Create arrays whose size changes at runtime ✔️ Increase and reduce the number of active elements ✔️ Use %ELEM to control array dimensions ✔️ Automatically add elements with *NEXT ✔️ Build cleaner and more flexible RPG programs ✔️ Write modern RPG code directly from VS Code We also discuss the differences between traditional fixed arrays and variable-dimension arrays, and when each approach makes sense in real applications. 🎯 Topics covered: 📦 Traditional arrays vs dynamic arrays 📈 DIM(*VAR) explained ⚡ DIM(*AUTO) explained 🔢 Working with %ELEM ➕ Adding elements with *NEXT 🔄 Growing and shrinking arrays 💻 Practical RPG examples 🚀 Modern RPG development in VS Code Whether you're new to RPG or have years of IBM i experience, this is a feature worth adding to your toolbox. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss the next episode! 👍 Like if this helped you — it really supports the channel! 💬 Drop a comment! 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Fixed-size arrays recap 01:40 Introducing DIM(*VAR) arrays (and using %ELEM to control the size) 04:19 Discovering the ACTUAL number of elements of our array 05:48 Introducing DIM(*AUTO) arrays (and using *NEXT) 07:39 Practical example using *AUTO arrays 12:44 Things to remember ... 13:47 When should we use them...?? 15:12 Ending #IBM #IBMi #RPG #RPGLE #AS400 #IBMChampion #VSCode #Programming #LearnRPG #RPGLE #IBM #SoftwareDevelopment #IBMChampion