COMMON POWERUp 2026

Since its introduction 30 years ago, JavaScript has fast become the most prominent programming language on the Internet. You would be hard-pressed to find a single page on the web today that does not employ some amount of JavaScript code. Learning JavaScript, along with basic HTML and CSS concepts, should thus be at the top of the to-do list for every RPG developer looking to get started with serious web development. This session serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of the JavaScript language, drawing comparisons to coding concepts that should be familiar to all RPG programmers. No prior experience with web development is assumed. Topics to be covered include basic variable declaration, comparison & assignment operators, conditional statements, arrays, loops and functions -- all of which will be directly compared to their RPG equivalents. The instructor will demonstrate how you can practice these basic JavaScript concepts on your own using console tools inside the Google Chrome browser, and provide suggestions for further study of the language.

Learning Objectives:

• Know how to code and test blocks of JavaScript inside their own browser (specifically, we'll look at the DevTools inside Google Chrome) • Understand the differences and similarities between JavaScript and RPG • Know where to go for further study of the language and what to focus on learning first

Node.js empowers IBM i developers to build modern web services and APIs, leveraging a vast ecosystem of ready-to-use packages via npm (Node Package Manager). This session introduces Node.js through an RPG perspective, demonstrating a simple web service that queries a physical file on IBM i using the idb-connector module and serves JSON data to a browser. The instructor will showcase Node.js basics, compare them to RPG concepts like subprocedures and file operations, and deploy the service on IBM i. No prior Node.js experience is required, but it would be helpful to have a basic understanding of JavaScript (as covered in the preceding JavaScript 101 session). Topics for this session will include Node.js setup, modules, asynchronous programming, Express.js for web services, the benefits of npm’s extensive package repository, and deployment steps. Attendees will receive a handout with code, setup instructions, and resources for further study.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Node.js, its relevance for RPG developers, and the power of npm’s vast library of packages for rapid development. • Learn how to use idb-connector to access IBM i database tables and serve data via a web service. • Gain insights into Node.js setup, coding, and deployment on IBM i, with resources for continued learning.

AI and DevSecOps is a rapidly evolving area of functionality where there is overlap between the open systems world and the IBM i. In this session I will look at tools we can use right now to help us progress on our DevSecOps journey and also areas where the AI knowledge lags behind. I will show actual examples that will speed up your adoption of DevSecOps and enhance you use of these tools to streamline your Application Lifecycle management workflow, from the developer to deployment and everything in-between!

Learning Objectives:

Learn what AI tools can be successful be applied to IBM i specific requirements and what tools aren't quite ready yet.

The definition of "DevOps" has changed tremendously over the last few years; no longer is it simple Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), but rather an interwoven process that begins with the typical Compile/Debug/Edit cycle, but that now also leverages Artificial Intelligence; Testing and Security steps that many supposed DevOps adopters are ignoring; and then and only then does it move to traditional CI/CD.

Learning Objectives:

Understand what terms like "DevOps" and "DevSecOps" really mean. Learn how to leverage new AI tools like GitHub Copilot as part of the development process. Reinforce how important Testing and Security are to DevSecOps.

Discover how n8n can revolutionize the world of IBM i RPG programming by seamlessly bridging your trusted legacy logic with the most powerful AI and automation tools available today—all while keeping your data and business rules secure, under your control, and perfectly integrated with your existing systems. Imagine transforming your RPG workflows overnight: automate reporting, streamline compliance, and connect with everything from Slack and Google Workspace to advanced AI agents—without migrating your core business or writing mountains of new code. This session will show how you can harness AI-powered automation to streamline business processes, save time on manual work, and support smarter decision-making across a range of scenarios. You’ll see how flexible tools like n8n enable organizations to boost productivity, reduce errors, and adapt workflows to real business needs—demonstrating the practical value of connecting your core systems to the next generation of AI solutions. n8n is a powerful free and source-available workflow automation platform that helps you seamlessly connect different apps, APIs, and business services, automating repetitive tasks and data flows—all in a visual, drag-and-drop editor that both non-technical teams and developers can use. Much like Zapier, n8n lets you create custom automations triggered by events (such as new emails, form submissions, or database updates), but stands out by offering far greater flexibility, developer-friendly features (like scripting and custom code), and the option to self-host for total data privacy and control. With hundreds of integrations, n8n brings enterprise-grade automation and AI power to any business environment, from simple notifications to complex, multi-step processes—all without requiring you to lock into a single vendor’s system.

Learning Objectives:

Show how RPG logic and DB2 data can be easily connected to modern business applications using n8n’s broad integration capabilities Explore opportunities to streamline operations by integrating IBM i with collaboration tools like Google Workspace or any application with an API through n8n. Discuss how AI features of n8n can enhance business processes with smarter automation. Explain how n8n can be self-hosted to keep IBM i data secure and under organizational control. Introduce n8n as a flexible, open automation platform and compare its value to tools like Zapier and Make.