Editing Mainframe Files (COBOL)

[boogerweed]

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

[MrBillG]

Hi Kelly

Okay little back ground, I use UE for writting 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 writting 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 hightlighing file for COBOL
http://www.ultraedit.com/downloads/extras.html
or
http://www.ultraedit.com/files/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 explaination 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!

[boogerweed]

Thanks a lot!

[BengalTigger]

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.

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"