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Panels and Views Overview

The MDOpen Panel in Visual Studio Code provides a structured and integrated workspace for managing IBM i development.
It brings together connections, projects, filters, and object management within a single view — streamlining your workflow inside VS Code.

Each collapsible section in the sidebar serves a distinct purpose, making navigation through your IBM i assets simple and efficient.

Panels Overview

MDOPEN CONNECTION HIDDEN FUNCTIONS

This panel shows any hidden functions related to your current MDOpen connection.

If no hidden functions are available, the panel displays the message:

no options found

You can add functions to this list by clicking the icon next to a function name in the MDOpen Explorer Functions panel.
Once hidden, these functions will appear under this section for quick access or management.

Hidden Functions Panel

Figure: Hidden functions panel

MDOPEN SEARCH FOR FUNCTIONS

This section allows you to search for specific functions, programs, or objects across your IBM i environment.
You can type any keyword — such as a project name, program, or filter term — and MDOpen instantly narrows down matching results.

Search Functions Panel

Figure: Search functions panel

Tip

You can enable or disable the Search Filters checkbox to refine your search scope.
When enabled, MDOpen will apply your predefined filters to focus on specific results.

MDOPEN CONNECTION

Displays all active MDOpen connections configured in your environment.
Each connection includes information about your session:

RASHIA-DEV-dev.mdcms.ch-T86@rashi (044165)

Info

  • RASHIA-DEV → Nickname for the connection
  • dev.mdcms.ch → Server address
  • T86 → Environment name
  • rashi → User ID used for login
  • 044165 → Job number assigned to this session

Within a connection, you’ll find collapsible categories like Projects, Tasks, Object Requests, MDVisual etc.

MDOPEN FUNCTION HISTORY

Lists recently accessed functions, programs, or database metrics.
This panel helps you revisit previously opened items without needing to perform a new search.

Function History Panel

Figure: Functions history panel

Tip

You can directly reopen functions from history to speed up repetitive testing or review workflows.

Views Overview

The right-hand section of the interface — or the Views area — dynamically updates based on the item selected in your MDOpen panel.

MDVisual

The MDVisual view provides a structured and categorized visualization of your system’s development objects.
Within it, you’ll find the Programming hierarchy, which includes:

  • Programs
  • Service Programs
  • Modules
  • ILE Procedures
  • SQL Routines
  • Sources
  • Copybooks

Info

MDVisual integrates seamlessly with MDOpen, allowing developers to browse, analyze, and navigate through all program components within their IBM i environment.
It supports both high-level overviews and detailed object insights.

Note

Use MDVisual when you need to explore program dependencies, understand code structure, or locate specific elements (like service programs or SQL routines).