COMMON POWERUp 2026

Git has become the standard for version control, but moving traditional IBM i source code into Git requires planning, the right tools, and some trial and error. This session walks through a complete migration experience: from the initial planning phase, through the technical steps of exporting source, to resolving issues with members, naming, syncing, and how AI can help. Along the way, we’ll discuss pitfalls, solutions, and strategies for adoption across development teams. Attendees will gain a clear roadmap for migrating to Git and the confidence to start their own journey.

Learning Objectives:

Identify key planning steps needed before migrating IBM i source code into Git, including repository structure, workflow design, and tool selection. Execute a practical migration process — from exporting IBM i source members to resolving naming and synchronization challenges. Recognize common pitfalls during migration (e.g., member-level management, library mapping, and CCSID issues) and apply effective solutions. Leverage AI-assisted tools to streamline source analysis, refactoring, and ongoing Git synchronization. Develop a strategy for team adoption, including training, workflow standardization, and integration with CI/CD or modern IDEs. Build confidence to begin their own Git journey, using a clear roadmap and lessons learned from real-world implementation.

In this session we will discuss the various ways to implement using REST APIs in your existing applications. What they are, why they exist, and how companies are using them to communicate with each other.

Learning Objectives:

We will take an RPG service program and deploy it as an API using the IBM Integrated Web Services tool (IWS).

Visual Studio Code has quickly become one of the most popular development environments, and with the Code4i extension it’s a powerful option for IBM i developers. In this session, I’ll show you why VS Code is my tool of choice and how Code4i, along with a handful of other must-have extensions, can transform your development workflow. Most of these tools are free, and my entire setup runs for about $20 a month. If the stars align, I’ll also do a live demo of my environment so you can see firsthand how these tools fit together into a cost-effective, productivity-boosting toolkit.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the key features of Visual Studio Code that make it a strong option for IBM i development. Explore the capabilities of the Code4i extension and how it integrates with VS Code. Identify additional extensions that enhance productivity and streamline development. Learn how to build a highly effective development environment at little to no cost.

Tired of typing long CL commands or repeating the same operational tasks? IBM i gives you the power to create your own commands — complete with prompts, keywords, and integrated help — that look and behave just like IBM’s built-in ones. In this session, you’ll learn how to design and build your own custom CL commands (CMD objects) from start to finish. We’ll start with simple examples that wrap CL programs, then move to more advanced topics such as validation programs, command processing programs (CPPs), and creating user help text. Using practical demonstrations, Simon will show how custom commands can simplify operations, enforce standards, and make your IBM i environment more user-friendly. By the end of the session, you’ll be ready to design your own commands to automate your shop’s most common tasks — and make your coworkers think IBM shipped them that way.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this session, participants will be able to: - Understand the structure and components of IBM i command objects (CMDs). - Create custom commands that call CL or RPG programs. - Define command parameters and default values using keywords. - Use command processing programs (CPPs) and validity-check programs (VCPs).

Join me as we explore how to achieve end-to-end automation on IBM i, covering builds, tests, and impact analysis using open source tools (ibmi-ci, Source Orbit, and itest). The session will walk through a practical example of setting up a modern DevOps pipeline in GitHub. Imagine creating a pull request that automatically triggers a build, generates an impact analysis report, runs your test cases, and produces code coverage — with all results sent directly to the pull request for reviewers to see with ease.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how objects get built from a Git repository • Explore what the modern development life cycle looks like with Git • Learn how to automate your builds, tests and impact analysis with GitHub Actions

Thanks to the Code for IBM i open source extension, VS Code became an IDE of choice for whoever wants to do some development on IBM i. Less expansive (as in "free") and more modern than RDi, it's already a daily driver for IBM i professionals and enthusiasts alike. But what does it have to offer we barely know? What are the less-known features that can make a developer's life easier? The legend tells that it's even possible to work locally on IBM i source code synchronized with Git or to use Visual Explain right from VS Code. But the best is yet to come and see for yourself! Whether you are a seasoned developer or just curious, join me to discover or rediscover the hidden gems that VS Code has to offer. Don't be a stranger and bring your questions along!

Learning Objectives:

`- Learn new ways of using VS Code for developing on IBM i - Hear it from one of the top contributor of the Code for i project - Discover how to use VS Code more efficiently - Live tips & tricks

In this award-winning session, we’ll go beyond the basics of IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS) to uncover ways to make the tool work harder for you. After reviewing the core functionality, I’ll demonstrate some of the customizations I use every day to boost productivity and streamline my workflow. Whether you’re brand new to ACS or a seasoned user, you’ll walk away with practical tips, tricks, and user-driven ideas you can immediately put into practice.

Learning Objectives:
Understand the core functionality of IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS). Learn how to apply customizations within ACS to increase efficiency and productivity. Discover creative ways other users enhance ACS and identify techniques you can adapt for your own environment. Walk away with practical tips and tricks you can immediately implement in your daily workflow.

Are you troubled when debugging from VS Code? Do you experience feelings of dread when starting the Debug Service? Have you or your coworkers actually been struggling to debug ILE from VS Code? If the answer is yes, then don't wait another minute. Just register for this webinar and get in touch with the professionals - Debuggerbusters !

Woops, wrong movie! But right topic!

It is time to learn how to properly debug ILE from VS Code - and believe it, it's not that hard once everything is set up correctly! So...who you gonna call? Seb Julliand! Seb has a long history (as in "love and hate relationship") of interfacing the IBM i Debug Service with Code for IBM i and knows quite a bit about it. From the architecture of the debugger to an actual live debugging session, Seb will take you on grand debugging tour:

- Prerequisites
- How it works
- Configure and start the debug service from iNavigator
- Common pitfalls
- How to debug a program call
- How to work with Service Entry Points
- Variables, Breakpoints, Confitions, Watch

Join this session to finally be comfortable when it comes to debbugging from your favorite IDE.

Ain't afraid of no questions!