Editing Mainframe Files (COBOL)

Editing Mainframe Files (COBOL)

3
NewbieNewbie
3

    May 09, 2005#1

    Does anyone know if there's a way to make UltraEdit only edit in certain columns and provide line numbers in certain columns. I would like to edit mainframe COBOL code with UltraEdit but it has line numbers in the first six columns. I would like to only edit between columns 7 & 72. TIA....Kelly

    63
    Advanced UserAdvanced User
    63

      May 11, 2005#2

      Hi Kelly

      Okay little background, I use UE for writing code on a AS/400.
      So I'm not a mainframer and I'm not a COBOL programmer.

      I do write in RPG which is a lot stranger than your COBOL!

      Now to your question, I just ignore the first 6 columns.
      They were always there in your editor on the mainframe you just couldn't see them.

      Here are some hints I use for writing RPG.
      1) I use "Column Marks" they save my tail feathers!  Wish there were 3 or 4!
      2) When editing existing code I work in "Overtype" mode <Insert key>
      3) Because RPG is column sensitive, I use custom tabs stops << see below >>
      I'm sure you found the syntax highlighting file for COBOL
      https://www.ultraedit.com/downloads/ext ... files.html
      or
      https://www.ultraedit.com/resources/wf/cobol.uew

      The FTP to a AS/400 is a dream so I can only assume it works a well for the mainframe.  
      Actually I've sold a few copies for Ian on this feature alone!

      Let me know if I can answer anything else for you.

      There have been a few posts from Kedit users asking about UE.
      Kedit is clone of Xedit, it's pretty expensive $149, I think.
      Plus it doesn't have the built in FTP and it really helps if you know Xedit  :)
      http://www.kedit.com

      Now for explanation of each!
      1)  Pull down menu "View" --> Set Column Markers"
      Once setup Column Markers you can toggle them On/Off with "Show Column Marker 1" & Show Column Marker 2"

      2) Overtype and Insert is a toggle, use the <Insert> key on the keyboard.

      3) Custom Tab Stops are controlled on the pull down menu "Advanced" --> "Configuration..."  
      Then click on the "Edit" tab  about 1/2 way down "Tab Stop Value"
      This is a little strange because it's relative to the last tab position!

      3
      NewbieNewbie
      3

        May 11, 2005#3

        Thanks a lot!

        7

          Update of above information

          Dec 05, 2007#4

          MrBillG wrote:Here are some hints I use for writting RPG.
          1) I use "Column Marks" they save my tail feathers! Wish there were 3 or 4!
          In the latest version (v13.20 as of this writing) you can now set up to 12 column markers using "View > Set Column Markers". This same option is now used to turn them on/off.
          MrBillG wrote:3) Custom Tab Stops are controlled on the pull down menu "Advanced" --> "Configuration..."
          Then click on the "Edit" tab about 1/2 way down "Tab Stop Value"
          This is a little strange because it's relative to the last tab position!
          Slight change of path for Tab Stops. They are now located in "Advanced" > "Configuration", click the (+) for "Editor", then select "Word Wrap/Tab Settings"