IDF can be used for disassembly-level (object code level) or source-level debugging of user programs under z/OS, CMS, and z/VSE.

• On z/OS
  • Programs can be "batch" or TSO Command Processors, with support provided for reentrant modules.
  • IDF provides for debugging programs (for example, ISPF programs) for which some environmental setup is needed.
  • Parameters are passed to your program using standard z/OS EXEC PGM or TSO Command Processor linkage conventions.
• On CMS
  • Programs can be a mix of user-area programs, transients, nucleus extensions, and self-relocating nucleus extensions.
  • Unless one of the debugged programs is a transient, CMS SUBSET is available throughout the debugging session.
  • IDF provides for debugging programs (for example, a REXX function package) for which some environmental setup is needed.
  • Parameters are passed to your program using standard CMS linkage conventions, with both tokenized and untokenized lists.
• On z/VSE
  • Parameters are passed to your program using standard z/VSE EXEC PGM linkage.