DSPF-edit

DSPF-edit is a Visual Studio Code extension that helps IBM i developers when creating or modifying DDS source files for display files.

The extension provides a navigable schema view of the DDS source file that is automatically updated whenever the source changes.

✨ Features

• Schema navigation

  • Two levels are shown: File and Records.
  • Click on schema elements to jump directly to their location in the source.
  • Right-click for context-aware actions.

• File level

  • View display file attributes (e.g., display size, command keys).
  • Right-click options:
    • Create new records.
    • Assign command keys.

• Records level

  • Right-click options:
    • Create new records.
  • Each record shows:
    • Record-level attributes.
    • Constants and fields.
  • Right-click options on a record:
    • Add constant.
    • Add field.
    • Remove field.
    • Copy/Delete record.
    • Add "buttons" (constants for record commands).
    • Assign command keys.
    • Add / Remove / Change indicators.
    • Resizing (if window record).
    • Sort elements.

• Constants

  • Show text, position (row/column), indicators, and attributes.
  • Right-click options:
    • Edit constant.
    • Copy constant (to the same or different record).
    • Remove constant.
    • Center constant on screen.
    • Change position (absolute position/relative to existing constant).
    • Apply colors/attributes.
    • Add / Remove / Change indicators.
    • Fill constant with characters.

• Fields

  • Show name, length, type, position (row/column), and flags (referenced/hidden).
  • Indicators and attributes are expandable.
  • Right-click options:
    • Edit field.
    • Copy field (to the same or different record).
    • Remove field.
    • Center field on screen.
    • Change position (absolute position/relative to existing constant/field).
    • Apply colors/attributes.
    • Add validity checks.
    • Add editing keywords.
    • Add error messages.
    • Add / Remove / Change indicators.

• Attributes

  • Add / Remove / Change indicators.
  • Remove attribute.

🚀 How to Use

1. Open a DDS display file in VS Code.
2. Go to explorer view in VS Code.
3. The schema view will appear automatically with the name "DSPF STRUCTURE".
4. Use left-click to navigate, or right-click to access contextual options.

⚙️ Requirements

• Visual Studio Code v1.75 or higher.

🐞 Known Issues

This extension is currently in preview.
Some features may not work as expected. Please leave an issue if something is not working fine!

📝 To Do

• Bug fixes.
• Correct handling of display sizes.
• Many new features to come!

📦 Version History

See the full changelog here.

Latest

0.11.0 - 2025-11-15

• New feature: Now, you can filter the records you want to work with, using the icon. Also you can select if you want to see only constants or fields, in those records.

💬 Feedback is welcome! Please leave a comment, open an issue, and enjoy using DSPF-edit.