IBM IMS Explorer for VS Code

Exploring the User Interface

IMS Explorer Views and Controls

IMS Connections Tree View

  • Purpose: Add and manage multiple IMS database and catalog connections.
  • Usage:
    • Add and organize connections.
    • Expand/collapse connection contents to browse DBDs, PSBs, and PCBs.
    • Right‑click an item to view DDL, segments, fields, and source.

IMS Projects View

  • Purpose: Create and edit IMS projects that contain SQL and related assets.
  • Usage: Start new projects, add SQL query files, organize SQL code, and keep connection metadata near your code.

Table Views

  • Purpose: Inspect DBDs, PSBs, and PCBs in tabular form.
  • Usage: Quickly click across related definitions to find associated segments and fields.

Output Channels

  • IBM IMS Explorer for VS Code — Client logs
  • IBM IMS Explorer LSP Server — Language server logs
    View them via the Output panel to troubleshoot or monitor activity.

Status Bar Options

  • IMS Workspace — Indicates the workspace location that stores extension artifacts such as ims.connections.json. Can be clicked to choose a location.
  • IMS Connection — Used to verify or switch the active database connection for SQL execution.

Settings Integration

While not indicated on the UI, these extension settings are key to using the IMS Explorer for VS Code extension effectively.

  • Java selection (ims.explorer.connection.property.javaHome) and memory (ims.explorer.connection.property.maxHeapSize).
  • Logging level (ims.explorer.logging.level).
  • IMS Workspace path (ims.explorer.property.ImsWorkspace). Configure under Preferences → Settings.