Code4z Basics — A Guide for Architects and z/OS DevX Leaders
Less friction, more time in the flow state
What is Code4z?
Code4z is a modern developer experience for mainframe software engineers built on Visual Studio Code.
From a technical perspective, Code4z is a free and open extension pack available on the VS Code marketplace. Developers use VS Code’s extraordinary extensibility to configure it to their specific needs and priorities using Code4z as the starting point — Code4z is the foundation of a highly-tailored experience.
The extensions in the Code4z pack and those that complement it are featured in the Code4z Cockpit Simulator which illustrates a COBOL/CICS/Db2 developer configuration. Also, check out the many articles describing the extensions on the Modern Mainframe site.
Note that components of the extension pack can change over time. Once an extension is vetted (i.e., proven its value), it’s added to the pack. For example, the REXX Language Support extension is currently being evaluated for the pack but developers are free to install it themselves.
Why VS Code?
The case for VS Code is well documented: its popularity is off the charts, the next generation of talent already knows it, and it offers specific benefits for mainframe AppDev. Check out the lively roundtable discussion in the VS Code for Mainframe Starter Kit.
How does Code4z work?
Code4z takes advantage of VS Code’s extraordinary extensibility, including standards like the Language Server Protocol and the Debug Adapter Protocol, to address the unique aspects of mainframe development. Several extensions, like debugging, use back-end services provided by Broadcom’s Mainframe DevOps Suite.
Is Code4z open source?
Many of the extensions are open source (e.g., COBOL & HLASM Language Support, Zowe Explorer). This opens the door to, for example, addressing specific language dialects using preprocessors.
Are there any prerequisites?
Zowe is an effective prerequisite. While 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 Single Sign On (SSO).
Zowe supports many robust functions like accessing datasets and running jobs with Zowe Explorer. CI/CD automation is facilitated with the 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.
With Zowe in place, all users need to do is install VS Code and then add the Code4z extension pack — it’s that simple. Depending on the extensions used, backend services provided by the Mainframe DevOps Suite complete the experience (e.g., InterTest for debugging).
Which version control tools does Code4z work with?
Any. Code4z includes an extension for Endevor but VS Code offers native Git capabilities and there are extensions for other mainframe SCMs too. You can even use data sets, although we recommend moving these applications to Git for versioning.
What about support?
Broadcom’s Mainframe DevOps Suite offers comprehensive support for Code4z as well as related technologies like Zowe and many back-end services.
Can I see a demo?
Check out the Code4z video series:
Code4z demo with native Endevor
Access, edit, build, and debug a COBOL program using native Endevor, enabled with Explorer for Endevor. Use copybooks and CCIDs, navigate variables, create load modules, and more. [view]
Code4z demo with Git
Access, edit, build, and debug a COBOL program using Git, enabled by Bridge for Git and Team Build. Create a local branch, make the necessary edits, and publish the branch to the central repo. [view]
Code4z explainer
Learn why developers love VS Code powered by Code4z. [view]
Unit Test for Mainframe
Shift testing left by applying the 6 Core Principles of unit testing using preferred tools — in this, case Visual Studio Code. [view]
There’s a complete Code4z playlist on YouTube too.
And don’t miss the What’s Up Mainframe podcast series explaining Code4z:
Episode 1: Getting Started with Code4z
Episode 2: Endevor Into Visual Studio Code
Episode 3: Modern COBOL Debugging
Episode 4: Unlocking COBOL Powers
Don’t forget to bookmark the playlist.
Does Code4z work with Cloud Development Environments (CDEs)?
CDEs are preconfigured on-demand dev environments that implement the VS Code editor and are accessible through a browser. The extensions work with VS Code-compatible CDEs. In fact, we typically use a CDE in our Code4z workshops. Contact us to learn how Code4z works with the various CDE options.
Where can I find the Tech Docs?
Technical documentation is available here.
Is training available?
Yes. The Code4z Academy is available to help teams jump-start the adoption of Code4z. Register for one or more of the on-site, hands-on Code4z workshops.
What about veteran ISPF users — will they adopt Code4z?
First and foremost, developers who use ISPF will appreciate having a choice rather than having a new tool imposed on them.
With a chance to assess the Code4z experience, yes, many will embrace the opportunity. The navigation benefits alone provide a compelling reason to adopt it (see Confessions of a Career ISPF Programmer). Once they understand the new workflows and experience the associated productivity benefits, they will welcome the opportunity. Onboarding those new to IDEs does, however, require some additional orientation.
This explainer video highlights the benefits of VS Code for ISPF users.
Who can I speak with to learn more?
If you’d like to discuss your needs or explore any aspect of Code4z in more detail, including the many CDE options, please get in touch with your Broadcom Mainframe Business Specialist.
