WINIDE Rewrite with significant improvements

We have finished creating the perfect GnuCOBOL IDE :-)

This software is free forever.

Moreover, it offers free regular updates.

It is more straightforward than any other COBOL IDE and matches or surpasses their functionality.

The kinetic debugger introduces a professional-level debugger to GnuCOBOL.

Executing EXEC SQL is seamlessly integrated into the compilation process with IBM Community Edition DB2.

A preprocessor examines your program for 'EXEC SQL' statements.

When detected, the DB2 preprocessor and binder are executed automatically.

Once the compilation process is complete, your 'EXEC SQL' program is ready to run.

Just specify that you wish to compile a program by using a single-character select function to start the compilation.

WINIDE will figure out what's needed for execution without any additional input or configurations.

It's not AI, but rather an expert system :-)

Features and benefits:

You have the option to choose your preferred source code editors.

The SPF editor is provided and set as the default option.

WINIDE does not utilize EXTFH but instead uses BDB or other alternatives, focusing only on "standard" GnuCOBOL I-O.

WINIDE DSORG exclusions:

* No support for generation data groups,

* No partitioned (PDS/PDSE) datasets,

* No native EBCDIC file processing,

* No VSAM (ISAM usage is at your own risk).

WINIDE is fully detached from the zOS emulation in WINZOS.

* No IDCAMS,

* No zOS utilities,

* No JCL,

* No ISPF panels,

* No conditional execution (except through a .BAT file),

* No system catalog,

* No DFSORT,

* No CICS,

* No IKJEFT01.

Nothing (nada, nichts, squat, zippo, zilch) is conveyed from the zOS mainframe environment.

Every compilation results in .DLL files, enabling a "main" to pass parameters.

Generating .DLL files improves GnuCOBOL programs that were previously compiled as .EXE files, which did not allow parameters with main programs.

The compilation process automatically detects 'EXEC SQL', generating programs that facilitate and execute embedded SQL (DB2).

An intuitive, easy-to-use kinetic debugger designed with a professional interface reminiscent of the mainframe Xpeditor paradigm.

On-demand help screens are available.

Simultaneous integrated view and edit functionality for addressing compiler errors.

All -f options are built into WINIDE, eliminating the need to specify multiple -f -- compiler commands.

A straightforward compile option for programs that require one-byte binary data fields (using Fx 1).

Copy, delete, and rename programs within the dialog.

Ideal for hobbyists or students overwhelmed by the complexity of using GnuCOBOL in academic, hobbyist, or basic commercial settings.

You can change the editor by setting an environment variable or adjusting the configuration in the WINIDE IPL routine.

The editor isn't limited to the SPF editor - you can opt for Notepad+Ted, WordPad, or any other editor you prefer.

Feel free to choose whatever you like :-)

.BAT and .CMD scripts are used to execute programs, rather than JCL.

Recompile a problematic program with animation enabled and include explicit error handling to catch divide by zero and data exceptions.

This is achieved by automatically adding "ABEND ON" to the integrated compile scripts.

Attaching a PID to the debugger is not possible. Instead, subroutines compiled with Fx "anim on" show up in the animation session.

24, 35, 60, or more lines can be shown during editing—choose the monitor interface that suits you best. Rotate the monitor 90 degrees to view 120+ lines of source code (with the right editor).

Does the IDE offer features like syntax highlighting, go to/show definition, and auto-complete?

Utilize the animator "P" code to progress through perform varying, perform paragraph; then return to the next sequential instruction in sequence.

Utilize the reset cursor command to alter the current execution path.

Monitor data fields for any updates.

Execute a companion editor to showcase variables above the execution point.

This approach is far less cluttered compared to performing inline queries to copybook fields above the procedure division.

Considering the WINIDE editor's extensibility, you have access to over 65,000 (possibly millions) of colors to highlight COBOL text with editors other than SPF.

There is no 8.3 file naming restriction, embedded spaces are not supported, which GnuCOBOL does not support.

I request that the extension be .COB, particularly for DB2 source files.

This animation UI cannot be changed by your editor choice - It is akin to a pro debugger - Xpeditor.

Compile source-free programs - but no animation, no DB2/SQL. "Source Free" programs should execute though - I also turn off the symbol table and lex file creation when "source free" is in effect.

Compile and run source programs that have a screen section implemented.

I believe programs like these will also animate.

Unfortunately, it is not "OPEN SOURCE," but it is available for free use indefinitely, including free periodic updates.

WINIDE and animation are made up of over 250 DLLs.

Regrettably, there is no support for Linux. In my view, I find it difficult to grasp the complexity and potential for errors involved in creating a Linux GnuCOBOL from source, particularly given that there are over 450 active Linux variants.

WINIDE is "exactly right." We actually use it :-)