Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way software teams and developers work. AI for IBM i developers specifically is opening up new possibilities to modernize applications, streamline workflows, explore new technologies, and deliver value faster than ever before.
But where do you start, and how can you use AI to make your development process smarter and more efficient?
At Fresche Solutions, we live and breathe IBM i development. With one of the largest IBM i-focused development teams in the world, we’ve been helping organizations modernize their legacy systems and build innovative web applications for years. And now, we’re using AI every day to make that process even better.
To share our expertise and help other developers embrace AI, our Web Application Services team has launched a new video series: Demystifying AI for Software Teams & Developers. Whether you’re modernizing IBM i applications or building new web UIs, this series provides practical insights and real-world examples to help you get started with AI.
Why AI Matters for IBM i Developers
AI isn’t about replacing developers, it’s about empowering them. By automating repetitive tasks and generating boilerplate code, AI frees up your time to focus on what really matters: solving complex problems, improving user experiences, and delivering innovative solutions.
AI for IBM i developers is especially transformative because it bridges the gap between legacy systems and modern applications. This makes it easier to modernize your infrastructure and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Tools like AI coding agents can help you:
- Generate clean, usable code in minutes.
- Automate testing and debugging.
- Accelerate the development of full-stack applications.
We’ve seen firsthand how AI can transform the development process. That’s why we created this video series – to demystify AI and show you how to use it effectively in your work.
Introducing the Video Series: Demystifying AI for Software Teams & Developers
Our video series is designed to help developers overcome the challenges of adopting AI and unlock its full potential. Each video focuses on a specific aspect of AI in development, with practical examples and expert insights from our team. We explore how AI can be used across the entire software development lifecycle—from planning to deployment and maintenance.
Why should you listen to us? At Fresche, we’ve been at the forefront of IBM i modernization for decades. Our Web Application Services team has deep expertise in building and modernizing IBM i applications, and we’re using AI every day to deliver faster, smarter solutions for our clients. This series is your chance to learn from our experience and see how AI can transform your development process.
Here are some examples of how we use AI tools for IBM i development every day:
- Analyzing and modernizing legacy code.
- Turning meeting notes into actionable tasks.
- Generating boilerplate code to save time.
- Documenting and capturing business requirements.
- Quickly creating document code or application documentation.
The list goes on and on.
Video 1: Don’t Fear the Prompt – Getting Started with AI in Development
The first video in the series tackles the biggest hurdle for many developers: just getting started with AI.
As the Team Lead of Fresche’s Web Application Services, I developed this first video to encourage developers to experiment with AI while addressing both the ethical and practical considerations of using it in real-world scenarios. Throughout this series, you’ll also hear from other members of my team who will share their own experiences and insights with AI development.
The key message? AI is not magic – it’s just another tool. While it’s rapidly changing how my team delivers projects to clients, it’s not about futuristic sci-fi solutions. It’s about practical, everyday applications that make development faster and more efficient.
In this video, I cover the reasons why many developers hesitate to adopt AI, from fear of the unknown to concerns about accuracy. My advice? Start small. You just need to start.
I also emphasize the importance of ethical AI use, reminding developers that while AI can automate many tasks, it’s still critical to review and validate everything it produces.
This video is a must-watch for IBM i developers looking to overcome their initial hesitation and take the first step toward integrating AI into their workflow. You’ll learn how to push past the fear of the unknown and start using AI tools to make your work easier and more efficient.
Watch the first video here:
Video 2: Built with AI, Powered by IBM i – Speed Up Development with AI Coding Agents
In the second video of this series, I take a deeper dive into how AI can help developers rapidly build full-stack applications. This video is all about showing you how to put AI to work in practical, impactful ways.
Using IBM i API template powered by Fresche’s WebSmart, I show you how to create API endpoints in minutes. From there, you’ll see how AI coding agents, such as GitHub Copilot, Cline, and Roo Code, can assist in building a front-end UI that seamlessly integrates with the API.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:
- How WebSmart simplifies API development by connecting to your IBM i and generating the PHP you need.
- How AI coding agents can collaborate with you to write, improve, and test your code — helping you refine and validate results faster.
- Why AI is perfect for proofs of concept or jumpstarting projects with clean, usable code.
The video walks you through the entire process, from backend to UI, in just minutes. I highlight how AI tools can accelerate development, reduce repetitive tasks, and empower developers to focus on solving complex problems. This video is packed with practical insights, making it a must-watch for developers looking to speed up their workflows.
Watch the second video here:
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. Our video series will continue to explore how AI can be used across the software development lifecycle, with practical tips and examples to help you make the most of these tools.
At Fresche, we’re committed to helping developers modernize their IBM i applications and embrace the future of software development. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or looking for advanced techniques, we’re here to help.
Are you ready to see how AI can transform your development process? Watch the videos, try the tools, and let us know how we can help you modernize your IBM i applications!
Subscribe to our YouTube channels for quick AI how-tos and IBM i modernization tips:
👉 Fresche Technical & Support Channel
👉 Fresche IBM i Modernization Channel
📬 Have questions or want to collaborate? Reach out to us for more information.
