IDz4VSE


The IDz4VSE plugin for IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz) enables seamless integration of VSE host systems into a modern Eclipse-based development environment — and forms a key foundation for establishing DevOps and CI/CD pipelines on VSE systems.


IDz4VSE provides direct connectivity to a VSE host and access to VSE subsystems such as Librarian, Power, ICCF, and VSAM, including direct access to the VSE console from within IDz.


For VSE development projects, the plugin supports local source management with host synchronization, enabling version-controlled development workflows.
Existing Librarian members can be imported into Eclipse projects or replaced with newly created source files — all editable with the full IDz editor suite.


Both local syntax checks (COBOL, PL/I) and remote compilations can be triggered directly from IDz.
Results are returned to the client, analyzed, and displayed in the Remote Error view.
Developers can also edit Librarian members directly through the VSE System View, while the integrated 3270 emulator provides native host access.


With support for the VSE Debug Tools, IDz4VSE enables graphical debugging within the Eclipse interface — with breakpoints, variable inspection, step functions, and more.


Most importantly, IDz4VSE brings VSE development into the DevOps era:
by supporting Git-based workflows, structured source management, automated builds, and integrated debugging, it enables VSE systems to participate fully in modern CI/CD pipelines.


Feature Overview


VSE System Integration


  • Definition of VSE system connections
  • Direct access to VSE subsystems:
  • Librarian
  • Power
  • ICCF
  • VSAM
  • Console


DevOps & CI/CD Enablers

  • Local Eclipse-based VSE projects
  • Git-compatible workflows for version control
  • Local syntax checking (COBOL, PL/I)
  • Remote compilation for COBOL, PL/I, ASM, C
  • Optional SQL and/or CICS support
  • Phase creation via Linkbooks
  • Fast error feedback and integrated debugging


Builds and validations can be automated and incorporated into DevOps toolchains (e.g., GitLab/Jenkins).


Debug Perspective


  • Graphical interface for the VSE Debugger
  • Source lookup support
  • Step functions (step into, step over, step return, …)
  • Edit/browse for simple and structured variables
  • Set/remove breakpoints


IDz4VSE transforms classic VSE development into a DevOps-ready environment — bringing VSE systems seamlessly into modern CI/CD pipelines.