1. Attract and Keep New Developers

For younger talent, the learning curve and outdated feel of older tools can be a dealbreaker. Fewer new developers are learning legacy tools like RDI or SEU, and many businesses are struggling to fill roles as seasoned developers retire.

VS Code is a tool that many new developers already know and love. It’s widely used in universities and colleges, as well as in open-source projects and modern development teams. This familiarity reduces onboarding time and makes your organization more appealing to the next generation of developers.

Even better, once they’re onboarded, they’re more likely to stay if they can work with tools that feel modern, efficient, and relevant. Integrating VS Code into your IBM i stack is strategic decision for long-term team stability and success.

2. Save Time on Updates While Improving Security

In traditional environments, updating development tools can be time-consuming and disruptive. VS Code has automatic updates, ensuring developers always have the latest version without manual downloads, reboots, or IT interventions. This means your team benefits from the latest features, performance enhancements, and crucial security patches effortlessly. IBM’s substantial investment in this tool highlights its commitment to security and seamless integration, including issuing Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs) on IBM i to ensure complete integration.

With less downtime and fewer vulnerabilities, developers can focus on innovation and productivity. This streamlined process enhances both efficiency and security, making it a valuable addition to any business.

3. Leverage Community and expert Support

VS Code offers robust community support, unlike traditional IBM i development tools.  As an open-source tool, users benefit from frequent updates and enhancements dedicated by a proactive community.

In addition to community support, experts such as R2i’s partner Seiden Group offer specialized VS Code for IBM I support and training, ensuring users can maximize the tool’s potential with professional guidance. This combination of community and expert support highlights VS Code as an essential tool for modern IBM i development.

4. Customizable Development Environment

IBM i developers are expanding beyond traditional RPG, CL or COBOL, they’re building diverse solutions involving SQL, frontend code, server-side logic, and more. VS Code offers a highly customizable development environment, allowing developers to tailor the editor to their specific needs.

This flexibility enables developers to work seamlessly on frontend, backend and IBM i related code within the same editor. As a result, workflow efficiency is improved, reducing the need to switch between different tools.

5. Essential Tools and Extensions

The IBM i Extension Pack for VS Code includes 14 essential tools for IBM i development, supporting various languages and accelerating development. Key extensions include IBM i Debug for interactive debugging of COBOL and RPGLE programs, Db2 for i for enhanced SQL functionalities, and Code for IBM i for editing and compiling ILE languages with inline error viewing and content assist.

To complement the extensions mentioned above, the GitHub Pull Requests and Issues extension integrates GitHub with VS Code, enhancing source control and collaboration. Additionally, ARCAD Software, a partner of R2i, offers tools that integrate with VS Code, providing solutions for automated testing, deployment, and version control to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. These tools are designed to enhance the development process, making them a valuable addition to any IBM i development environment using VS Code.

Ready to modernize your IBM i development?

Switching to VS Code has already benefited many IBM i teams work more efficiently, reduce friction, and prepare for the future. It’s not just about using a new editor it’s a crucial step for future-proofing development practices.

In 2025, businesses can’t afford to stay stuck in outdated workflows. With VS Code for IBM i, you can improve productivity, attract new talent, and confidently advance your development practices. The time to switch is now.