As large portions of the United States freeze under arctic weather, one thing keeps us warm: dreaming of heading to Orlando for the upcoming SHARE conference! This is going to be a big moment for us at Izzi Software: Our own Frank Chu is on the SHARE board, and Izzi’s Chief Architect, Chris Craddock, will be one of the featured speakers. Both of these are important milestones for us as we grow our footprint in the mainframe universe.
We are equally excited to announce the upcoming release of Z/XDC for Visual Studio Code (VS Code), marking a pivotal step in modernizing mainframe software debugging and making these powerful tools accessible to a new generation of programmers.
Bridging the Gap: Mainframe Meets Modern Development
For decades, mainframes have been the core workhorse for transactional processing, powering mission-critical applications in industries ranging from finance to healthcare. Yet, the understandably risk-averse nature of these enterprises has contributed to the slow evolution of its associated tools compared to the sleek, user-friendly environments common in the distributed world. ColeSoft has long been a leader in mainframe debugging, providing robust solutions for IBM environments. Now, with Z/XDC’s integration into VS Code, Izzi Software is bridging the gap between legendary business-critical applications and modern workflows.
A Solution for Every Developer
For more than 40 years, ColeSoft has produced superior debugging products for software engineers and system support staff on IBM mainframes. This solution is pervasive, so releasing a modern UI for the mainframe community represents an important step in adapting this solution for the future and making it more accessible for new users while retaining its extensive features for those developers who prefer ISPF.
This dual focus – welcoming newcomers while supporting seasoned professionals – sets Z/XDC apart. The VS Code plugin eliminates the need for terminal emulators, allowing developers to debug mainframe software interactively and in real time within a modern IDE. This not only accelerates productivity but also helps organizations address the mainframe skills gap by making these systems approachable for those who grew up with graphical interfaces.
Transforming Mainframe Workflows
The Z/XDC plugin brings the full power of ColeSoft’s debugging suite to millions of developers worldwide. By integrating with VS Code, it brings its seamless workflows, real-time debugging, and enterprise-grade reliability to the next generation and beyond. Organizations interested in adopting this solution can reach out to Izzi Software for demos, pricing, and complimentary trial access.
Why It Matters
Mainframes remain vital to global business, but their continued relevance depends on attracting new talent and evolving as the technical landscape changes. Izzi Software’s move to bring Z/XDC to VS Code is more than a technical upgrade: it’s a strategic investment in the future of mainframe engineering. By making software development tools accessible and intuitive, Izzi Software is ensuring that these systems will continue to power innovation for decades to come.
The launch of Z/XDC for Visual Studio Code is a milestone for both Izzi Software and for the mainframe community. It represents a commitment to modernization, accessibility, and the ongoing evolution of enterprise technology. Whether you’re a veteran mainframe developer or a newcomer eager to explore this world, Z/XDC for VS Code promises to make mainframe debugging faster, easier, and more powerful than ever before.