Let’s talk about something that can seriously boost your programming productivity: split screen editing in Visual Studio Code. If you’re like most IBM i programmers, you’re probably used to alt-tabbing between files. But VS Code’s split screen functionality? It’s a game-changer.

Why Should You Care About Split Screen?

In my years of programming on AS400, iSERIES and IBM i systems, I’ve noticed we often work with related files simultaneously:

• RPG source and its corresponding display file DDS
• A program and its copybook
• A service program and its prototype definition
• An RPG program and a CL program that calls it

Sure, you could alt-tab between these files like it’s 1995, or you could have them both visible at the same time. I know which one I prefer!

The Basics: Getting Started

Method 1: The Mouse Approach (Easiest)

1. Open your first file in the editor
2. Look at the top right of the editor tab – you’ll see a little icon that looks like a split square
3. Click that icon – boom! Your editor splits in half
4. Click in the new pane and open your second file

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts (The Power User Way)

Once you get comfortable with these shortcuts, you’ll never go back:

Windows/Linux:

• Ctrl + \ – Split editor vertically (side-by-side)
• Ctrl + 1/2/3 – Focus on editor group 1, 2, or 3

Mac:

• Cmd + \ – Split editor vertically
• Cmd + 1/2/3 – Focus on editor group 1, 2, or 3

Method 3: Drag and Drop (The Visual Way)

1. Open multiple files in your tab bar
2. Grab a tab with your mouse
3. Drag it to the right edge of the editor until you see a blue highlight
4. Drop it – instant split screen!

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

Creating Multiple Editor Groups

You’re not limited to just two panes! VS Code supports up to three editor groups by default:

1. Start with CUSTMNT.RPGLE open
2. Press Ctrl + \ to split (now you have two panes)
3. Open your copybook in the second pane
4. Press Ctrl + \ again – now you have three panes!

Navigate between groups:

• Ctrl + 1 – Focus group 1
• Ctrl + 2 – Focus group 2
• Ctrl + 3 – Focus group 3

Working with the Same File in Multiple Panes

Here’s a trick that blew my mind when I first used it: you can have the same file open in multiple panes:

• Comparing different parts of a long RPG program
• Editing the prototype section while looking at the implementation
• Editing and saving changes in different parts of the program source code at the same time
• A fantastic tool for searching and renaming variables for example!

How to do it:

1. Right-click on a tab
2. Select “Split in Group” or “Copy Into New Group”
3. Scroll to different parts of the file in each pane

Power User Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Lock Editor Groups

Sometimes you accidentally close a file in a split pane. To prevent this:

1. Right-click on an editor tab
2. Select “Keep Editor” or “Pin”

Tip 2: Zen Mode for Focus

Need to focus on just your split screen without distractions?

• Windows/Linux:Ctrl + K then Z
• Mac:Cmd + K then Z

This enters “Zen Mode,” hiding everything except your editor panes. Press Esc twice to exit.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: “My splits keep disappearing!”
Cause: VS Code’s preview mode is closing files when you navigate away.
Solution: Turn off preview mode: "workbench.editor.enablePreview": false Or double-click files to open them permanently

Issue 2: “I can’t see my file explorer anymore!”
Solution: Press Ctrl + B (or Cmd + B on Mac) to toggle the sidebar

Issue 3: “Files are opening in the wrong pane”
Solutions: Right-click and use “Open to the Side” or Use Ctrl + Enter to open in a new pane

The Bottom Line

Split screen in VS Code isn’t just a nice-to-have feature – it’s a productivity multiplier that every serious IBM i programmer should master. Whether you’re comparing code, referencing copybooks, or just trying to see more of your program at once, split screen has you covered.

My advice? Start simple:

1. Learn the basic keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + \)
2. Practice with the RPG + Display File scenario
3. Gradually incorporate more advanced techniques

Before you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to split my screen and work on some RPG code while keeping the documentation visible. Because that’s how we roll in the modern world of IBM i development!

Happy coding, folks!

Quick Reference Card

Split Screen Shortcuts:

• Ctrl + \ – Split vertically
• Ctrl + K then Ctrl + \ – Split horizontally
• Ctrl + 1/2/3 – Focus editor group

Navigation:

• Ctrl + Tab – Switch between recent files
• Ctrl + P – Quick open (go to file)
• Ctrl + G – Go to line

View Management:

• Ctrl + B – Toggle sidebar
• Ctrl + `` – Toggle terminal
• Ctrl + K then Z – Zen mode