DDS Column Assist

A lightweight VS Code extension that shows a visual ruler and provides a form-based editor for IBM i DDS A-spec lines in PF, LF, and DSPF members.

Features

• Ruler overlay: when your caret is on a DDS line with A in the 6th column, a hint bar appears above the line:
  • PF/LF: .....A..........T.Nome++++++RLun++TPdB......Funzioni++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  • DSPF: .....AAN01N02N03T.Nome++++++RLun++TPdBRigColFunzioni++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• Edit assistant: a command opens a small form where you can edit the fixed-width fields of the selected A-spec line. On apply, the line in the editor is updated preserving fixed-column widths (padding/truncation).

Usage

1. Open a DDS file (extensions: .pf, .lf, .dspf).
2. Place the caret on a line that has A in column 6.
3. See the visual ruler above the line.
4. Run the command "DDS: Edit A-spec line (Column Assist)" from the Command Palette. A form opens with fields aligned to the fixed columns.
5. Fill the inputs and press "Apply changes". The line is updated in the editor.

Notes:

• The assistant infers editable ranges from the ruler shown above the line. Values are padded/truncated to match column widths.
• The extension doesn't validate DDS semantics; it focuses on column alignment and quick edits.

Build and Install

• Install dependencies: npm install
• Build: npm run build
• Launch the extension in VS Code: press F5 to start the Extension Host.

Requirements

• VS Code 1.75+

License

MIT