Choosing an IDE client
As the first step, you should plan and decide which IDE client you want to use to gain development support for z/OS applications.
IDE client | Highlights | Features |
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Wazi Developer for Workspaces | With this in-browser IDE, you can code, build, test, debug, and run applications from any machine without any local environment configurations. Upon a single-click, team members can get their own workspace up and running. Wazi Developer for Workspaces supports almost all the capabilities that are available in Wazi Developer for VS Code in the OpenShift cloud environment, with some differences on user experience. Learn more about the rationale and differences.Note: Whenever applicable, you will be
redirected to the documentation for Wazi Developer for VS Code for detailed
instructions.
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Wazi Developer for VS Code | VS Code is a popular desktop editor among many current and next generation developers. IBM Enterprise language support in VS Code makes enterprise programming more attractive and productive by allowing developers to use this popular editor, with the option to integrate numerous other extensions from the VS Code Marketplace. | |
Wazi Developer for Eclipse | You can leverage extensive z/OS application development features provided by this desktop IDE, such as incorporating Db2 programming into your COBOL and PL/I applications and adding CICS translation support to COBOL and PL/I applications. |
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Why do instructions for Wazi Developer for VS Code also apply to Wazi Developer for Workspaces?
Wazi Developer for Workspaces is built based on an open source tool platform called Eclipse Che, which makes Kubernetes development accessible for development teams. The default IDE for the Eclipse Che platform is Theia, a web-based IDE. Theia provides a compatibility API to also consume VS Code extensions. Therefore, Wazi Developer for Workspaces can support almost all the capabilities that are available in Wazi Developer for VS Code in the OpenShift cloud environment, with some differences on user experience.
Wazi Developer for Workspaces | Wazi Developer for VS Code | |
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Installation and configuration procedure for the IDE client | After the cloud administrator deploys the CASE bundle and installs an instance of Wazi Developer for Workspaces via the Operator on the OpenShift cluster, each user can create one workspace from Wazi Developer for Workspaces and do further configurations. | Users must complete the installation and configuration procedure on their own workstation, including downloading and installing the prerequisites and the client. |
Method of launch | As an in-browser IDE, users can access the development environment provided by Wazi Developer for Workspaces from any machine without any local environment configurations. | As a desktop IDE that provides its capabilities through several VS Code extensions, users must launch the locally installed VS Code instance to use the capabilities of Wazi Developer for VS Code. |
Capability differences | Refer to Limitations of using Z Open Editor with Eclipse Che and Red Hat CodeReady Workspaces. | |
User interface | The look and feel is similar except for some details, such as icons and layout of some panes. Users who are familiar with one of these IDEs should be able to navigate around the other IDE with relative ease. | |
Keyboard shortcuts | Refer to Keyboard shortcuts reference. | You can view and customize keyboard shortcuts for Wazi Developer for Workspaces by clicking File > Settings > Open Keyboard Shortcuts. |
API compatibility | Theia strives for full compatibility of the VS Code APIs. As Theia
and VS Code evolve, the Theia team is keeping track of the status of the VS Code API implementation
in Theia here. If new issues are found, the team accepts issue reports
here using the tag vscode . |
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Fix pack schedule | The schedule for fix packs of these two IDEs might differ. The instructions for using Wazi Developer for VS Code will always be updated to reflect what applies to the latest fix packs. It is possible that some fix packs are available only in Wazi Developer for VS Code. To pinpoint the fix packs updates, refer to Release notes. |