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First Login and User Interface Tour

Add an MDOpen Connection

The MDOpen Connection screen lets you create a secure link between VS Code and your IBM i system through MDOpen.

A connection defines how MDOpen communicates with your target IBM i environment — including server address, user credentials, and workspace options.

Info

Each connection profile stores your environment-specific details, making it easy to switch between DEV, QA, and PROD systems without reconfiguring settings.

When No Connections Are Found

When you open MDOPEN: CONNECTIONS for the first time, you’ll see:

No connections found.
[Add an MDOpen Connection]

Click the Add an MDOpen Connection button or to create your first connection profile.

Add new connection

Figure: Add a new MDOpen connection from the Connections panel.

Fill in Connection Details

You’ll be guided to the MDOpen Connection screen, where you can enter all relevant details.

Fields Explained

Field Description
MDCMS Rest API Port The REST API port used by MDCMS on your IBM i server.
Use HTTPS Ensures the connection uses a secure HTTPS protocol.
Ignore Certificate Errors (Optional) Allow self-signed or invalid certificates — useful for testing environments.
SSH Port The SSH port to connect to your IBM i (default: 22 or your configured port).
Username (required) Your IBM i user profile ID.
Password (required) Corresponding password (hidden for security).
Environment The IBM i environment identifier (e.g., T86).
ASP Group (Optional) Specifies the ASP group to be used for multi-ASP configurations.
Connect to Code for IBM i at Startup When checked, this connection will automatically activate when VS Code starts.

New connection details - part 1

Figure: Enterings connection details (Part 1).

New connection details - part 2

Figure: Entering connection details (Part 2).

Example

A connection name could be something like
RASHI-DEV-dev.mdcms.ch-T86

Tip

Use unique connection names for different environments (e.g., DEV, QA, PROD).

If the connection fails, confirm: - Your IBM i system is reachable (host and port) - VPN or firewall access is enabled, if required

Save or Cancel

Once all fields are filled:

  • Save & Exit — Creates and stores the connection profile.
  • Clear — Resets all fields to blank.
  • Cancel — Exits without saving.

Success

Once saved, your connection will appear in the MDOPEN: CONNECTIONS list.

From here, you can:

  • Edit the connection details
    Edit connection
    Figure: Editing an existing connection.

  • Copy — Duplicate a connection
    Copy connection
    Figure: Copying a connection profile.

  • Delete a connection
    Delete connection
    Figure: Deleting an existing connection.

Sign In

Once a valid MDOpen connection is added, it appears in the MDOPEN: CONNECTIONS list.

Click the connection entry icon to initiate the login process.

Login page

Figure: MDOpen login screen for IBM i system access.

Login Fails?

  • Double-check your username and password.
  • Verify that your IBM i system is online and accessible.
  • Confirm that your MDCMS REST API service is running.
  • If using HTTPS, ensure your certificate is valid or select “Ignore Certificate Errors” for testing.

Need Help?

Contact Midrange Dynamics Support through the Support Portal if you continue to face connection issues.