ILE debugger

[jack1955]

Why would IBM release a debugger for ILE that is so lame compared with STRISDB? Has anyone used any other IBM ILE debugger (VARPG or CODE/400) or any 3rd party debugger?

I guess IBM thinks we write perfect code the first time, perfectly documented.

 

[iSeriesCodePoet]

Which debugger are you talking about STRDBG? iSeriesCodePoet
IBM iSeries (AS/400) Programmer

 

[jack1955]

Yep.. STRDBG

 

[PeteJohnston]

I thought that IBMs STRDBG did pretty much the same as STRISDB? I can't think of anything which I would like STRISDB to do which STRDBG can't.

It's a shame there isn't a VB-style debugger. It lets you change code on the fly while you are still running it in debug. You can then reposition the "current" line to re-execute the code and check whether the changes have worked. I know it can only do this because it works more like a command interpreter when it is in debug mode, but wouldn't it be nice........... ?

 

[jack1955]

Let's see... IBM changed the command keys between STRDBG and STRISDB. The watch isn't on the source screen in STRDBG. The source in STRDBG doesn't indicate breakpoints in reverse image. We use CMS, so the program must be compiled into your library to debug with STRDBG.

I realize ILE is more complex than RPGIII/RPG/400. Wait, doesn't more complexity require a better debugger?

I agree a VB style debugger would be ideal.

 

[iSeriesCodePoet]

I have never really had a problem with it I guess... iSeriesCodePoet
IBM iSeries (AS/400) Programmer

 

[RedMage1967]

Shipped with CODE/400 (Websphere Development Tools or iSeries) was the IBM Distributed Debugger, which give you a GUI pc based session that has the same functionality of VB's debugging tool. You can add watches, breakbpoints, monitor variables and modify the value in variables. You might want to check that out.

RedMage1967
IBM Certified - RPG IV Programmer

 

[jack1955]

I'd like to, but I have no machine. I'll take your word on it. Have you used it?

 

[PeteJohnston]

I'd forgotten about WATCH displaying the field at the top of the screen - that is definately a plus point for STRISDB. Surely the F-keys and reverse image stuff isn't a big deal? STRDBG also displays the field value along the bottom of the screen if it will fit so you can see the source code at the same time. STRISDB shows the value only after clearing the source lines.

What is CMS, a change management tool? If you compile the program with DBGVIEW(*SOURCE) (either by changing the options in CMS or by CHGCMDDFT) then STRDBG doesn't even need the source to debug because it is part of the compiled object.

One thing that neither of them can do (I think) is to place the cursor on a key-list and have it show you the field values in the same way as showing subfields in an array. There was a debugger which did this, but I can't remember which.

Ah well, I suppose I should go back to doing some of that "work" stuff!

 

[RedMage1967]

for jack1955

I use the pc based debugger all of the time. Took a while to get used to using it and stuff, but I think it's much better than anything you get via green screen.

Just curious, what release of OS are you running?

RedMage1967
IBM Certified - RPG IV Programmer

 

[jack1955]

Hey RedMage1967
I got 6 CD's containing CODE/400 and some other stuff. How much space does CODE/400 need? I have 1 gig free. I think with 6 CD's I'll need that new PC now.

I'd add a new drive to my PC but the floppy drive hasn't worked in a few years (stupid SuperDisk drive!- came with the PC) and I'm running Win98.

 

[RedMage1967]

You're going to need more than 1 gig. You're also going to need around 256 megs of ram. I've got the updated tools (cd's came with V5R2 upgrade, I'm guessing that's what you've got.) I can't install them on my old pc at work because I don't have enough ram. I'm trying to sell my boss on the idea of buying me a new pc with a minium of 12 gig hard drive and at least 512 megs of ram. The Code/400 designer takes up a LOT of ram. Also, when you install Code/400, it installs ALL of the tech manuals you'll need to program in RPG (any flavor) COBOL, and any other language that IBM has a compiler for. That's why you need a lot of disk space for this tool.

RedMage1967
IBM Certifed - RPG IV Progammer

 

[Mlovell]

The one that I love to use is called exterimate. It is very easy to use. Years ago, I was using the IBM supplied debugger and since I started with exterimate I could not or would not try to use anything else.

 

[jack1955]

Are you high tech? I didn't consider myself high tech. Still don't. Just a guy supporting the business through it's applications.