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Contact Us
    code4z, vs code, and zowe logos on computer screen

    Your Code4z Developer Cockpit. Simplified.

    The free & easy way to transform VS Code into a powerful mainframe developer experience (DevX). Enjoy secure and seamless access using any source control tool (Endevor, Git enterprise servers, etc.) and DevOps toolchains.

    Your development environment is your workplace.

    Code4z unlocks the world of VS Code and compatible browser-based cloud development environments (CDEs) for z/OS application development. With support for COBOL and other mainframe languages, it offers ‘in the zone’ productivity, streamlined code navigation, and a big WOW factor!

    As an extension pack available on the VS Code marketplace, Code4z is the starting point for a personalized experience that supports the entire SDLC: from code access and navigation through editing, testing, and deployment. Create the Code4z experience that fits your technical needs and personal preferences!

    Code4z takes advantage of VS Code’s extraordinary extensibility, including innovations like the Language Server Protocol (LSP) and Debug Adapter Protocol (DAP), to address the unique aspects of mainframe development. Zowe is an integral part of the Code4z experience. The Zowe Explorer extension is included in the pack and scripting with the Zowe CLI is commonplace. Backend services, as well as comprehensive enterprise support for both Code4z and Zowe, are provided by the Broadcom Mainframe DevOps Suite.

    Scroll down to explore a sample configuration for a COBOL/CICS/Db2 developer.

    Legend
    VS Code Extension
    See Step 3 below for complete list
    ZOWE CLI PLUGIN
    See Step 3 below for complete list
    Scripts (E.G., NPM Scripts)
    git Git LEARN MORE
    vs code extension Debugger for Mainframe LEARN MORE
    vs code extension Abend Analyzer for Mainframe LEARN MORE
    vs code extension Explorer for Endevor LEARN MORE
    vs code extension Zowe Explorer LEARN MORE
    vs code extension Zowe Explorer for IBM CICS LEARN MORE
    vs code extension Data Editor for Mainframe LEARN MORE
    vs code extension Bridge for Git Explorer LEARN MORE
    vs code extension IBM Db2 for z/OS Developer Extension LEARN MORE
    vs code extension JCL Language Support LEARN MORE
    vs code extension COBOL Language Support LEARN MORE
    vs code extension COBOL Control Flow LEARN MORE
    scripts compileLink LEARN MORE
    scripts deployToTest LEARN MORE
    scripts jestDevTest LEARN MORE
    zowe cli plugin Endevor for Zowe CLI LEARN MORE
    zowe cli plugin DBM for Db2 for Zowe CLI LEARN MORE
    vs code extension Zowe Explorer Zowe Explorer for IBM CICS Data Editor for Mainframe LEARN MORE

    Also consider VS Code-compatible browser IDEs / instant dev environments like GitHub Codespaces.

    Demo Videos

    Code4z in Action with Git Access, edit, build, and debug a COBOL program using Git, enabled by Bridge for Git and Team Build. Create a local branch, make the necessary edits, and publish the branch to the central repo. Watch Demo
    Code4z in Action with native Endevor Access, edit, build, and debug a COBOL program using native Endevor, enabled by the Explorer for Endevor extension. Use copybooks and CCIDs, navigate variables, create load modules, and more. Watch Demo

    programmer Code4z Academy

    Now offering no-cost, on-site, facilitated Code4z workshops for qualified customers. Get your teams up and running quickly with a hands-on experience for those knowledgeable with VS Code and those unfamiliar with IDEs.

    Explore Workshops

    More about Code4z

    • Source Control: Code4z works with any source control tool including Endevor and other mainframe SCMs, enterprise Git servers like GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket and Azure DevOps, and even datasets. The code can be Git native and, for Endevor users, synced to Git using Endevor Bridge for Git.
    • Open Source: Many of the extensions, like COBOL Language Support, are open source which enables teams to address specific language dialects, even company-specific ones, using preprocessors.
    • Testing: The Unit Test for Mainframe extension, powered by Test4z, is a seamless part of the Code4z experience. Learn more about this contemporary, DevOps-style testing option at test4z.broadcom.com.
    • CDEs: Although not currently supported, many of the extensions are compatible with CDEs that use the same underlying architecture as VS Code. Contact us if you’d like to explore this option.

    Additional Resources

    Code4z Blogs Learn about the Code4z developer experience, including details about specific extensions View blogs
    Code4z Videos Check out the entire series that explains the Code4z experience, from overviews to detailed ‘how to’ videos. View playlist
    Technical Documentation Technical Documentation for the latest version of Code4z is available here View TechDocs
    VS Code for Mainframe FAQs Learn about the various options, including Codez View page