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Term |
Definition |
| Code4z | Free and open extension pack that transforms VS Code (and compatible tools) into a mainframe developer cockpit. Available on the VS Code marketplace with support included in the Broadcom DevOps Suite. Visit code4z.broadcom.com |
| Debug Adapter Protocol (DAP) | Enables the implementation of a generic debugger that can communicate with different debuggers via adapters. Debug adapters can be re-used across multiple IDEs. Code4z’s Debugger for Mainframe extension uses DAP.. |
| Debugger for Mainframe | Code4z extension that provides a modern debugging experience for CICS and batch applications written in COBOL and HLASM. Uses DAP combined with back-end services from the Broadcom DevOps Suite. |
| Dialects | A relatively small variation or extension of a language that does not change its intrinsic nature. Due to its extensibility, VS Code easily supports dialects, including company-specific ones. |
| Explorer for Endevor | Code4z extension that enables VS Code users to interact seamlessly with Endevor inventory locations and elements |
| GitHub Codespaces, Gitpod, Red Hat OpenShift Dev Spaces, etc. | VS Code-compatible, browser-based IDEs hosted in a cloud configuration; provide instant dev environments and greater security while eliminating workstation maintenance; contact Broadcom for up-to-date list. |
| Intellisense | General term for various code editing features including code completion, parameter info, quick info, and member lists. Features are sometimes called by other names such as ‘code completion’, ‘content assist’, and ‘code hinting’. |
| ISPF | An IBM 3270 terminal interface with panels for a range of functions including source code editing. |
| Language Server Protocol (LSP) | Protocol used between an editor or IDE and a language server that provides language features like auto complete, go to definition, find all references, etc. Code4z extensions using LSP include COBOL Language Support and HLASM. |
| Minimap |
One of several VS Code UI capabilities that facilitates monolith navigation and understanding; provides a zoomed-out view of the code; others include Breadcrumbs, Go to Definition and Peek.
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| Visual Studio | Microsoft’s rich client IDE and precursor to VS Code; many of its innovations were carried forward into VS Code. |
| Visual Studio Code |
Aka VS Code; Microsoft’s free code editing tool built on open source. Extraordinary popular with ‘any language, any platform’ extensibility; lightweight client.
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| VS Code Marketplace | Catalog of published VS Code extensions including the Code4z pack and a wide range mainframe extensions; managed by Microsoft |
| Zowe Explorer | Code4z extension used to access z/OS Datasets & Unix file systems; submit JCL, store credentials securely, view and download job output, issue TSO & MVS commands; other extensions built on Zowe Explorer include Data Editor for Mainframe and Zowe Explorer for CICS. |
No, VS Code and Code4z are both free and open.
The ‘any language, any platform’ design is perfect for mainframe. Unlike other IDEs that were built for specific languages, like Java, VS Code addresses the multiple language needs of mainframe with ease.
Secondly, many of its native capabilities make working with monolithic applications much easier. For example, simply paging with ISPF can be slow and tedious while, with VS Code, it’s instantaneous, making code reviews a breeze.
Also, because many career mainframe developers have only worked with ISPF, the ability to highly tailor the experience to their preferred way of working will help with the adoption of what is, for many enterprises, an IT standard. This helps to eliminate the mainframe silo.
Finally, it’s the tool that the next generation knows and loves. Providing a VS Code option makes mainframe AppDev a compelling career choice and streamlines the onboarding process. And it’s a skillset next-gens can share with their new-to-VS Code colleagues.
While it is not a technical requirement (you can use FTP as an alternative to the Zowe Explorer, for example), you lose all of the richness and simplification in z/OS resource access that Zowe provides as well as the usability of capabilities like Single Sign On (SSO).
Zowe supports many robust functions like accessing datasets or running jobs with Zowe Explorer and CI/CD automation with Zowe CLI. Many mainframe extensions are Zowe Conformant, which gives users a high level of common functionality, interoperability and user experience. This includes both VS Code extensions and Zowe CLI plug-ins. Take note of the scripting question below.
To understand the wide range of AppDev use cases Zowe enables, check out the AppDev Modernization site.
Yes, one of the strengths of VS Code is its built-in access to Git access. Git native development can be accomplished using Team Build, which provides a simple, one-click build.
Teams using any mainframe SCM, like Panvalet and Librarian, can move to Git native development using Team Build. An extension to optimize the Team Build experience is in development.
For more information, visit the Git for Mainframe FAQ.
Check out the many resources, including the Developer Cockpit simulator, at code4z.broadcom.com.
VS Code / Code4z-related articles are available on the Modern Mainframe blogsite.
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