Using content assist

COBOL, PL/I, REXX, and JCL content assist is available for syntax elements of each language. For example, built-in functions and subroutine calls for the PL/I language are available as completion proposals, with the correct syntax. Where possible, user-defined labels and variables are included in the list of suggested options.

To use content assist, open a file in the editor. As you are typing the code, press Ctrl+Spacebar and select from among the options that are displayed to complete the code you are typing.

For editors that support code templates, you can toggle the content assist window between the default pane and template pane by pressing Ctrl+Spacebar again. If you close the content assist window and open it again without changing the cursor location, it reopens on the same pane. For more information about templates, see the related topics.

The z Systems® LPEX Editor, COBOL Editor, and PL/I Editor also provide content assist for CICS® variables that are in EXEC CICS blocks. The editors display variable names and their declarations. Hovering over the data item entries shows the data structure of the item.

Limitations:
  • Content assist cannot provide any proposals for a syntax error until there is enough valid syntax to suggest options.
  • Because of possible memory issues on the client, content assist proposals are displayed for a limit of 4 IF . . . OR statements. After four statements a message is displayed and no further content assist proposals are offered. Content assist is an aid for common or simple code, so complex or layered statements, such as PERFORM statements within an EVALUATE or WHEN statement, might result in no proposals.
  • In the z Systems LPEX Editor, opening and closing the content assist window without changing the cursor location toggles the window content.