How do I see the failed compile listing in VS-Code for IBM-i?

If you're using Code for IBM i (the standard VS Code extension)

1 - Open the IBM i Output panel

Every time you run a User Action, Code for IBM i writes the job log and any spool output to: View → Output → (dropdown) → “IBM i Output”

Inside that panel you’ll see:

• The command that ran

• The job log

• Any spooled file content (if generated)

If your compile failed, the error messages will be right there.

2. Check your User Action for OUTPUT(*PRINT)

This is the #1 reason listings don’t appear.

If your action uses something like:

"command": "CRTBNDRPG PGM(&L/&O) SRCFILE(&L/&F) SRCMBR(&N)"

…then IBM i defaults to:

OUTPUT(*NONE)

Meaning: no listing is created, so VS Code has nothing to show.

Fix it by adding OUTPUT(*PRINT):

"command": "CRTBNDRPG PGM(&L/&O) SRCFILE(&L/&F) SRCMBR(&N) OUTPUT(*PRINT)"

Or for modules:

"command": "CRTRPGMOD MODULE(&L/&O) SRCFILE(&L/&F) SRCMBR(&N) OUTPUT(*PRINT)"

Once OUTPUT(*PRINT) is there, the listing will appear in the Spooled Files panel.

3. Open the Spooled Files browser

In the IBM i sidebar: IBM i → Spooled Files

You’ll see:

• Your job

• QSYSPRT (compile listing)

• QPJOBLOG (job log)

Click the listing → it opens directly in VS Code.

This is the closest thing to WRKSPLF inside VS Code.

4. If you want the listing to open automatically

There’s a setting for that: Settings → Extensions → Code for IBM i → “Auto-open Spooled File”

Turn that on and VS Code will pop the listing open as soon as the compile finishes.

5. If you still don’t see a listing

Here are the usual culprits: