RSE Extensions

SoftLanding's RSE Extensions Plug-In for WebSphere Development Studio offers several convenient features to enhance your WDSC work environment. RSE Extensions is an open source project – you can access its source code as well as the compiled plug-in from this page.

In one easy download the RSE Extensions plug-in provides:

direct access to spooled file output from WDSC
the ability to view and respond to iSeries messages from within WDSC
a perspective for viewing two source-editing windows simultaneously
graphical compare and merge editors for iSeries source code (WDSC 6.x or later required)
a custom editor for data areas (WDSC 6.x or later required)
the ability to display data queue properties and contents (WDSC 6.x or later required)

Work with Spooled Output

You can quickly see job logs and compile listings as a "view" within WDSC should you encounter an error while running a job. The plug-in creates an "iSeries Spooled Files" subsystem within WDSC's Remote System Explorer, where you can right-click on a specific spooled file to view it, open it in a text editor, or save it to a file for email and search capabilities.

It also adds a menu option to your iSeries Jobs filters so you can access spooled output from within your iSeries Job folder when you right-click the job in question.

Monitor Your iSeries Message Queue

This feature can be configured to monitor the iSeries message queue associated with your Remote Systems Explorer user profile. When a message arrives in your queue, you are notified by your choice of pop-up dialog box, email, or sound (beep). You can set the plug-in to handle Informational and Inquiry messages differently to minimize interruptions.

In addition, the plug-in creates an iSeries Messages subsystem within Remote Systems Explorer, where you can view and work with specific messages from other message queues. You set message queue filters according to your preferences, and then all messages that meet your criteria appear in the iSeries Messages subsystem. For example, you might want to see only messages that are waiting for a reply. From there, you can answer, display, and/or delete messages.

Improved Source-Editing Features

This RSE Extension improves WDSC's source editing features with its iSeries Editing Perspective. The perspective provides a top/bottom window arrangement that lets you view two source-editing windows simultaneously. The dual editing windows can be shown full screen for easier editing, or with the outline view for quick browsing.

Compare and Merge iSeries Source Code (WDSC 6.x or later required)

WDSC contains excellent graphical compare and merge editors for Java source code. The RSE Extensions plug-in lets you apply that same source compare engine to your native iSeries source code. You can compare source in edit or browse mode, or merge two source members, even if the source members come from different iSeries systems. The graphical nature of the editors let you see and resolve conflicts quickly.

Change Data Area (WDSC 6.x or later required)

With the RSE Extensions plug-in, you can edit a data area. A right-click over a *DTAARA object opens a dialog that shows you the data area's name, library, and type, and lets you change its value.

Display Data Queue (WDSC 6.x or later required)

This RSE Extension provides a custom dialog for displaying data queues. Just right-click on a *DTAQ object and choose RSE Extensions -> Display Data Queue to see the data queue attributes and a preview of the first entry in the queue.