What Is a Contract Rpg Programmer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Report Program Generator (RPG) is a proprietary programming language from IBM for developing business applications. A contract RPG programmer creates and customizes applications for businesses and writes codes using the RPG language on a contract basis, either for short-term or long-term projects. As a contract RPG programmer, your job duties include determining what your client needs and expects from the application, testing new or existing code to meet those expectations, and debugging applications before configuring them for use on a company’s computer network. You also suggest development strategies for new applications and train staff on how to use the new software and applications when necessary.

Many contract RPG programmers have an associate or bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, programming, or a related field, though some independent contractors learn how to code on their own through online courses. You must be proficient in the Report Program Generator (RPG) language and the IBM i-series system. IBM offers training in the current RPG coding language for programmers who are fluent in related codes such as BASIC or COBOL. As a programmer, you need to be familiar with application testing and quality assurance practices and be able to work with other programmers to develop and test software tools. Certification is not required, but becoming RPG certified may make you more competitive in the job market.