Visual Studio Code and RPGLE: Project Mode

[worksofliam]

As RPGLE developers move into the world of git and developing in VS Code, we need to ensure that the developer tools are up to scratch along side that. So not only do you get the power of git, but you also get these nifty developer tools.

One of the more exciting features I've worked on this week is called Project Mode. It creates an index of the entire project and listens for changes. With this data, we are able to know a lot more about the project at a higher level.

I am not sure why it took so long to start on this. It wasn't even on my radar until this weekend just gone when I got the ideas. In the original thread I made where I outlined my idea, I had written about a new view to show a dependancy tree. But, after building the initial functionality.. I don't think it's too important.

Let's talk about some of the newer features coming with Project Mode.

Features

Show all possible include files / copybooks

When using /COPY or /INCLUDE, it will now provided the available headers (denoted with the .rpgleinc extension) so users don't have to type out the path correctly.

Peek where copybook is used

There is a new button inside of the active editor, which when clicked on, will show (with the peek preview) where this current include file is referenced in your entire project.

Export references

On all export procedure definitions, there is a Code Lens button that will show everywhere that the procedure is referenced - in the entire project! Plus, if you use **free code, it will also show every reference in your code. If you're still using fixed-format, it will just show you references to the prototypes.

You may have also noticed, but there is also a way to copy the prototype of the export function to the clipboard.

Go to implementation

On all prototype definitions, there will be a Code Lens button to go to the implementation - as in where the export function or program is defined.

All the other stuff

Just like before, you get the outline view, content assist - all normal VS Code features!

End

Some of these features are already out, but some of them are still being worked on. You can see the PR and the progress here. Let me know what you think!