Exploring the Features of IBM Developer for System z (IDz): A Modern Approach to Mainframe Development

Gone are the days of clunky interfaces and limited functionality when it comes to mainframe application development. IBM Developer for System z (IDz) is a game-changer, transforming this landscape with a robust and modern toolset. Let's delve into its key features and explore how IDz empowers developers.

Built for Familiarity: IDz leverages the widely used Eclipse platform, providing a familiar and comfortable environment for developers of all backgrounds. This eliminates the need for a steep learning curve, allowing them to hit the ground running.

Speaks Your Language: IDz transcends language barriers, offering comprehensive support for a vast array of programming languages. Whether you're a seasoned COBOL veteran, a PL/I pro, or a Java whiz, IDz has you covered. It even caters to C/C++ enthusiasts and Assembly language programmers, making it a true one-stop shop for mainframe development.

End-to-End Efficiency: IDz streamlines the entire development lifecycle, from meticulously analyzing your project requirements to editing code, conducting unit testing, and finally deploying your masterpiece. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple tools, fostering a smooth and efficient workflow.

A Visual Delight: IDz boasts a rich graphical user interface (GUI) that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally powerful. Development-specific perspectives cater to your specific needs, while the ability to have multiple concurrent views keeps everything organized. And for those who like to personalize their workspace, extensive customization options are available.

Catching Errors Early: IDz takes a proactive approach to quality by offering both local and remote syntax checking. This helps identify errors in your code as you write, preventing them from becoming roadblocks later in the development process.

Unveiling the Hidden: IDz's robust debugging capabilities allow you to step through your code line by line, pinpoint issues, and ensure your applications function flawlessly.

Streamlined Development: IDz eliminates the back-and-forth between your PC and the mainframe by enabling you to offload source files for development on your local machine. This translates to increased productivity and a more seamless development experience.

Intelligence at Your Fingertips: IDz incorporates code completion, a smart feature that suggests code snippets as you type. This significantly reduces typos and keeps your coding efficient.

Always Validating: IDz employs interactive syntax checking, acting as your virtual code reviewer. It catches errors on the fly, preventing them from slipping through the cracks and causing problems later.

Compile Your Way: IDz offers a variety of compilation options to suit your specific needs. Perform local syntax checks, offload compilations to the mainframe, or compile directly on z/OS without creating unnecessary binaries. You can even leverage the full power of the enterprise compiler for maximum efficiency.

In essence, IDz empowers developers to breathe new life into mainframe application development. By offering a familiar environment, comprehensive language support, and a streamlined workflow, IDz paves the way for a more efficient, productive, and enjoyable development experience. So, if you're looking to modernize your mainframe development and unleash its full potential, look no further than IBM Developer for System z.