When working with massive mainframe datasets, it is easy to lose track of available functions—or get lost deep in the file thousands of lines away from where you need to be. Without structural visibility, developers often resort to tedious FIND loops or constant upward scrolling just to remember routine names.
OUTLINE is an ISPF edit macro for z/OS that brings the functionality of the VS Code Outline View directly into your native ISPF editor. It dynamically scans your active member, extracts structural components, and presents them in an interactive selection list for fast, effortless code navigation.
-
Multi-Language Support: Automatically detects and parses: REXX, COBOL, and JCL.
-
Interactive Navigation: Generates an ISPF selection list panel. Selecting an item jumps your cursor directly to that line in the source code.
-
100% Native ISPF: No external dependencies or GUI wrappers required—runs entirely within standard 3270 TSO/ISPF sessions.
While editing a REXX, COBOL, or JCL member in ISPF Edit (Option 2), type the following on the command line:
Command ===> OUTLINE
A selection window will open listing all detected functions, routines, or steps. Select any entry to jump directly to that location in your file.
Note: If executed in a file with an unsupported language or format, ISPF will display a short message: UNKNOWN Language. showing the supported languages (REXX, COBOL, JCL).
This project is officially published on the CBT Tape under File # 1073.
Use at your own risk. Before using this in any production environment, be sure to verify that it works in your environment.
Distributed as freeware under standard CBT Tape guidelines. Feel free to use, modify, and contribute!