How do you debug COBOL programs in MVS using ISPF?

We can use the ISPF editor to insert debugging code, such as DISPLAY statements in the COBOL program. These statements help you track the flow of execution by printing variable values or messages at key points in the program. Once added, you compile and execute the program and view the output in the spool to see the results of the DISPLAY messages.

The ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility) is an interactive productivity tool that provides a graphical interface for the MVS operating system. ISPF can be used for a variety of tasks, including code editing, program debugging, and data management. In the context of COBOL program debugging, ISPF provides a range of features that can assist developers in identifying and fixing errors. While there are third-party tools specialized in COBOL code debugging, ISPF remains a valuable tool for COBOL developers seeking to debug their programs efficiently.

In most of the shops that I have worked, maintenance of COBOL programs have been done using Software Configuration Management Tools such as Panvalet, Changeman and Endevor. All of them use ISPF panels to find and edit programs, some have their own proprietary commands that help the programmers to do their job.

Based on my experience in mainframe development, when I need to compile a COBOL program, I use the LE compiler within ISPF. I typically access it by choosing Option 4: Foreground from the PDF menu, which allows me to work interactively. Alternatively, I can directly enter ISPF/LE from the TSO READY prompt to get access to the Language Environment’s compile options. This makes it straightforward to compile programs and review any compile-time issues in real-time. One of the key benefits of using the LE compiler is the ability to control several aspects of the compilation process.

"Q: How do you debug COBOL programs in MVS using ISPF?" My advice? Take a look at some of the other solutions that have been present for many years (in some cases decades) that address debugging COBOL application programs. This article mentions IBM Debug Tool but even that product also has a remote development function that integrates with Eclipse on workstations. Similar solutions from BMC, Broadcom, and Micro Focus also exist and all share industry-wide adoption. Benefits from using these workstation-based solutions -- integrated with the mainframe -- are many, but include integration with off-platform source version and control, such as GitHub, colour-sensitive syntax checking, unit testing, and many other functions.

Some of the ways of debugging COBOL programs are: 1.Using Interactive Debugging Tools (e.g., IBM Debug Tool) 2.Batch Abend-AID for Error Diagnosis 3.USing Xpeditor tool.

Throughout my experience, I have noticed that many professionals become so accustomed to the conveniences of ISPF that they end up forgetting how powerful the TSO command line is.