Microsoft IDE : Visual Studio Code - Prince of the Realm

What is the IDE called commonly known as 'VS Code'?

What is the IDE called commonly known as 'VS Code'?

Modern IBM i programmers are increasingly using Visual Studio Code (VS Code) for several reasons: 1. Flexibility and Customization : VS Code is highly customizable with a vast array of extensions that support various programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, and CL, which are commonly used on IBM i systems. 2. Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Features : VS Code offers features like syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging, and version control integration, which enhance productivity and make coding more efficient. 3. Open Source and Free : Unlike some other IDEs, VS Code is open-source and free, making it accessible to a wide range of developers. 4. Remote Development : With extensions like "Code for IBM i," developers can connect to their IBM i systems remotely, allowing them to edit, compile, and debug code directly from VS Code. 5. Community and Support : The active community around VS Code means there are plenty of resources, tutorials, and forums available to help developers troubleshoot issues and learn new features.

Come on now... You know the answer to this!

If you've been wrestling with code on your trusty IBM i system for years, you know the drill. Tools like IBM Rational Developer for i, or RDi as we call it, have been the go-to for serious development work. But let's chat about why Visual Studio Code, or VS Code, might just steal the spotlight in your daily grind. It's not about ditching RDi entirely, think of it as adding a sleek, modern sidekick to your toolkit. Drawing from some solid insights in the IBM community, VS Code shines as a lightweight, customizable powerhouse for IBM i coding that can make your life easier without the hefty overhead.

Code for IBM i is a powerful collection of tools and VS Code extensions that brings modern development workflows to the IBM i platform. It allows developers to build, edit, and manage IBM i applications directly inside Visual Studio Code. Code for IBM i extension delivers RPG, COBOL, and CL development. Rich language support including syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion, and integrated debugging. Direct IBM i file & database access -- Browse, edit, and manage source members, streamfiles, and database objects without leaving VS Code. Compile & debug from your desktop -- Trigger compiles and step through IBM i programs using VS Code’s familiar interface. Integrated terminal -- Run IBM i commands and scripts straight from the editor. Git-friendly workflows -- Version your IBM i codebase with Git and bring your development process into the modern era.

It's time to download and install Microsoft Visual Studio Code. It's free, it's easy - let's do this.

Watch some English Bloke Download and Install Visual Studio Code for IBM i

Don't confuse TOBi (previously known as BOB) with IBM's Project BOB! These are two completely different things! Project Bob is IBM’s AI-powered development assistant designed to help software teams ship better code, faster. Think of it as a supercharged teammate embedded right inside your IDE one that understands your repo, your coding standards, and even your security posture.

Welcome to this video presentation on *IBM i TOBi* – The Object Builder for i If you've ever spent hours recompiling unchanged programs, fought with source physical files, or dreamed of bringing proper DevOps to your IBM i shop, you're in the right place. TOBi is the free, open-source build system that finally makes native QSYS development feel modern. Hosted on IBM's own GitHub under the Apache 2.0 license and powered by the battle-hardened GNU Make engine. Over the next 20 minutes, we'll go from zero to hero – installation, configuration, daily workflows, migration, and VS Code integration. Grab a coffee, fire up your IBM i, and let's dive in.

Ever wanted to create a physical file, but not create the default member?