Step 1 - Install Microsoft Visual Studio Code
I'm going to download and install Visual Studio Code for Windows, but it's also available for Apple Mac and Linux. Grab the latest version from Visual Studio Code – Code Editing. Redefined
Installing Visual Studio Code is easy
Download and run the installer:
That was Easy right?
You can now use VS Code for writing your program source code with all the main languages.
Sadly, IBM i Languages are not supported as standard (because we are cool niche programmers!)
So, we need to add the Code for IBM i visual studio code plugin to extend VSCODE's capability to work with IBM i Systems and act as a complete Development Environment for RPG Programmers.
This step is easy -- after you have downloaded VS Code you can then the Code for IBM i extension from the Marketplace.
Step 2 - Install Code for IBM i from the Visual Studio Marketplace
I suggest installing the IBM i Development Pack, a carefully selected collection of extensions designed to enhance or add value to Code for IBM i. This plugin adds all the main plugins needed to use Code for IBM i to the max, including database tools, Language functions, RPGLE, CL, COBOL, and more:
After installing, note the instructions are all on the right hand side. You simply go down this list and you will be up and running with your VS-Code IDE in no time.
These show you how to connect to your IBM i system, open your first source file and edit your source code.
Step 3 - Install IBM i Project Explorer from the Visual Studio Marketplace
IBM introduces the IBM i Project Explorer, a tool that facilitates the development of IBM i applications through buildable local projects in Visual Studio Code. The Project Explorer viewer is designed to manage a project's library list, variables, object libraries, include paths, among other features. Additionally, the Job Log viewer allows for straightforward visualization of job logs' contents following a build or compile.
