This Visual Studio Code extension helps developers convert RPG IV fixed-format code into free-format RPG IV code effortlessly. Whether you’re working with File (F) specs, Definition (D) specs, or Embedded SQL statements, this tool streamlines the process by automating the conversion of fixed-format RPG code into more modern, readable free-format code.
Download from the Visual Studio CODE Marketplace: 
For a detailed list of changes and release notes, see the Changelog.
This extension is an RPG IV to Free Format statement converter. You select the RPG IV fixed format statements you want to convert to free format, right-click and select "Convert RPG IV to free format". It is not a refactoring tool or moderization tool. Its only purpose is to get that statement into free format for you.
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Convert RPG IV Fixed-Format to Free Format: Once installed, right-click on any RPG IV fixed-format statement in your editor and select the “Convert RPG IV to Free Format” option from the context menu. The statement will be converted instantly.
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Multi-Line Support for Complex Statements: If a statement spans multiple lines (such as a D (Definition) spec), you can position the cursor on any line within the statement, and the extension will convert the entire statement properly, even if it’s split across several lines.
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Batch Conversion of Multiple Statements: You can select multiple statements within the same file and convert them all in a single operation. The tool processes them efficiently.
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Fully Implemented Specifications:
- Header (H) Specs
- File (F) Specs
- Definition (D) Specs
- Calculation (C) Specs (in progress)
- Embedded SQL Statements
- Procedure (P) Specs
This extension contains the following settings under rpgiv2free:
Controls whether binary (B) data types in RPG IV are converted to integers in free-format RPG.
0— Do not convert B fields to integer (makes them BINDEC variables).1— Always convert B fields to integer (makes them INT variables).2— Convert B fields to integer variables only when decimal positions = 0.
Default: 0
Automatically adds the INZ keyword to data structure fields that do not already have it.
true— AddINZkeyword to all Data Structures when converted.false— Do not addINZ.
Default: false
Max length for converted free format lines (right margin).
Default: 76
First free format line indent/spaces (in bytes).
Default: 10
Secondary free format lines indent/spaces (in bytes).
Default: 12
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Header/Control (H) Specs The conversion for H Specs is currently in development. It mostly works but may require some additional tweaks for edge cases.
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Procedure (P) Specs Most aspects of P Specs are working, but some minor adjustments are still being made. I doubt you will notice any issues, but if you do, please let me know.
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Calculation (C) Specs The conversion of Calc Specs is in progress and is being updated in each release. Currently some calc specs convert fine, while others may or may not convert. Be ready with your Ctrl+Z to undo the conversion if it does not work as expected. (cmd+Z on Mac). For now, the following features are enabled:
- IFxx/ORxx/ANDxx/WHENxx/CASxx convert as a compound statement.
- Regular "3 factor" opcodes (such as CHAIN, READE, etc.) convert to free format. But verification may be needed.
Data Structure (DS) and Data Structure Subfields
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Data Structures and subfields convert fine. When a DS, PI, or PR statement is selected, then rpgiv2free conversion inserts the END-xx after the last subfield or parameter in the corresponding data structure or parameter list. Eventually we plan to include a setting to also convert the subfields or parameters to free format.
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Install the Extension:
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Go to the Visual Studio Code Extensions marketplace.
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or search for RPG IV to Free Format Conversion Tool, or from the Extensions explore within VS CODE, and in the "Search Extensions in Marketplace" search box, enter "Bob Cozzi" or "RPG IV" or similar.
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Using the Tool:
- Open any RPG IV source member in VS Code. The file extension must be .RPGLE or .SQLRPGLE which is derived from the member's source type.
- Position the cursor on the fixed-format statement you want to convert.
- Alternatively, you can select multiple lines of code or multiple statements to convert them at once. (The position of the cursor or selection on the line does not matter).
- Right-click on the selected code or statement to bring up the context menu.
- Select “Convert RPG IV to Free Format” from the context menu.
- The tool converts all selected statements to free format.
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Multi-Line Statements:
- For multi-line statements (like D Specs), or enhanced calc spec opcodes that use the extended Factor 2, position the cursor on any line that makes up the statement. The extension automatically converts the entire statement.
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Calc Specs (C Specs): Currently under development. Some opcodes are translated fine while others are sketchy.
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H Specs:
- Header specs are converted to one large CTL-OPT line. This is a work in progress and will be improved in future releases.
- It is a future objective to include a "switch" setting to convert each H spec line independently or allow it to work like it does now.
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D Specs:
- The conversion of D specs is mostly complete, but some edge cases may not be handled perfectly. For example, if a data structure is followed by a stand alone field with a long name it does not properly position the converted data structure's END-DS statement.
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Implemented Calc Specs (C Specs): We are working on refining the handling of Calc Specs and expect it to be fully supported in the next release.
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Improved User Feedback for Conversions: We plan to enhance the user experience by providing more informative feedback about what is being converted and any issues that may arise during conversion.
This project is licensed. See the LICENSE file for details.
If you have any issues or feature requests, please open an issue on the GitHub repository. We will do our best to address it promptly.