How do I setup and use SQL(DB2 for i) in VSC to view data in files?

[a4ginatl]

I could not find any videos in YouTube nor could I locate any documentation. Maybe I just don't know how to.
I want to use VSC to browse files/tables on the systems. I have installed DB2 for i but I cannot figure how to open a session and start using SQL commands.
Do you have a video or document I can use?
Thanks, Darryl.

[SJLennon]

@a4ginatl I have not used DB2 for i much, and the documentation might need updating, but for a quick start on how it works for me:

1. Open an.SQL document.
2. Enter an SQL statement.
3. Click Ctrl+R.

A screen shot:

[SJLennon]

@a4ginatl If you search for SQL in the documentation, this is the first hit: https://codefori.github.io/docs/extensions/db2i/#executing-statements. Does that need updating? How?

[a4ginatl]

It would be appreciated if the help and support section had a section for these documents and videos.
I tried creating a new file but I could not change the file type nor enter the file name.

So you cannot use Ctl + N from say the welcome page. You need to position the file in the left side panel in the IFS first, then the command works. The instructions do not say this.

Searching in the search bar for the documentation for SQL produces anything but SQL. There probably needs to be a separate section for Code for i Documentation.

[a4ginatl]

I find it difficult to find any help for Code for i. Example, how to enable the outline. I always have to try find stuff on Google or youtube and that's a challenge. We need a central place to go to.

[SJLennon]

@a4ginatl

Searching in the search bar for the documentation for SQL produces anything but SQL. There probably needs to be a separate section for Code for i Documentation.

It looks like you are not searching in the Code for i documentation. While in Code for i click Get Started. This takes you to the documentation, which for me opens like this:

Note the highlighted search box. Click on Search, enter SQL, and when you search you get this:

Click on any of the links to jump to that point in the documentation.

Additionally, if on the documentation home page you click on Quick Start, you will find a section on Db2 for i in the left pane.

Are there still parts that need updating?

[sebjulliand]

So you cannot use Ctl + N from say the welcome page. You need to position the file in the left side panel in the IFS first, then the command works. The instructions do not say this.

Actually, you can...after you press Ctrl+N, the page says Change the language ID to sql. That's a standard VS Code feature which may explain why it's not been thoroughly described:

• you can click on the language in the bottom bar to change it

• or you can press F1 to show the command palette and type change language; then select the change language mode action
  

As an laternative to all this, you can click on Open SQL document from the SQL manager view

As for the Outline, it's a standard VS Code feature as well. You can either use the View -> Open view menu

Or press F1 and type Outline:

[a4ginatl]

Thank you. That is really well hidden. I have been using Code for I for at least 3 years and so would not go back to getting started. I suggest adding or changing it to: Get started and documentation. Thanks Darryl Freinkel A4G Telephone: 770.321.8562 From: SJLennon ***@***.***> Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 5:04 PM To: codefori/vscode-ibmi ***@***.***> Cc: a4ginatl ***@***.***>; Mention ***@***.***> Subject: Re: [codefori/vscode-ibmi] How do I setup and use SQL(DB2 for i) in VSC to view data in files? (Issue #2667) <https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/67484051?s=20&v=4> SJLennon left a comment (codefori/vscode-ibmi#2667) <#2667 (comment)> @a4ginatl <https://github.com/a4ginatl> Searching in the search bar for the documentation for SQL produces anything but SQL. There probably needs to be a separate section for Code for i Documentation. It looks like you are not searching in the Code for i documentation. While in Code for i click Get Started. This takes you to the documentation, which for me opens like this: image.png (view on web) <https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/65b1582d-e44f-4f5a-924c-f5d371cfe552> Note the highlighted search box. Click on Search, enter SQL, and when you search you get this: image.png (view on web) <https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/75160dec-4db2-4614-926b-b6d4f38c6b19> Click on any of the links to jump to that point in the documentation. Additionally, if on the documentation home page you click on Quick Start, you will find a section on Db2 for i in the left pane. image.png (view on web) <https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/dd16a9a5-cf4d-4949-95a6-88c77055d49d> Are there still parts that need updating? — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#2667 (comment)> , or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A4EMVL4UYU5M57QBUGNXP6D26EEEPAVCNFSM6AAAAAB46SPFSGVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43OSLTON2WKQ3PNVWWK3TUHMZDQNZUGA3DMNRQHA> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned. <https://github.com/notifications/beacon/A4EMVLYFJS4MXTO6I2JUX4L26EEEPA5CNFSM6AAAAAB46SPFSGWGG33NNVSW45C7OR4XAZNMJFZXG5LFINXW23LFNZ2KUY3PNVWWK3TUL5UWJTVLJ3DLA.gif> Message ID: ***@***.*** ***@***.***> >

[SJLennon]

Get started and documentation

I think this is a good suggestion that should be implemented.

@sebjulliand @worksofliam