IBM System 360 RPG Debugging Template and Keypunch Card

IBM System 360 RPG Debugging Template and Keypunch Card is a historical technical manual designed to assist programmers and operators working with the IBM System/360 mainframe computers, specifically those using the Report Program Generator (RPG) language. This book provides a comprehensive debugging template and a detailed keypunch card layout, essential tools for efficiently developing, troubleshooting, and maintaining RPG programs during the era of punched card data processing. The manual includes clear instructions and visual guides for using the debugging template, which helps programmers systematically track and resolve errors in their RPG code. It explains the structure and function of each section of the template, offering practical tips for recording program logic, variable values, and error conditions. The keypunch card section features a full-scale reproduction of a standard 80-column IBM punch card, annotated to show the significance of each column and row, making it easier for users to correctly prepare and interpret punched cards for data entry and program control. In addition to technical diagrams, the book offers step-by-step procedures for setting up RPG jobs, interpreting printouts, and managing program changes. It addresses common pitfalls in RPG programming and provides troubleshooting advice tailored to the unique workflow of mainframe environments. The manual is an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced programmers, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail and procedural rigor that defined early computing. As a product of its time, IBM System 360 RPG Debugging Template and Keypunch Card captures the hands-on, mechanical nature of programming in the 1960s and 1970s, offering modern readers a fascinating glimpse into the foundational practices of computer science. Whether used as a practical guide or a historical reference, this book stands as a testament to the ingenuity and discipline of early mainframe programmers.