Moving to IBM i 7.6? An SDA Alternative with VS Code and IBM Bob

Have you been holding off on IBM i 7.6 because your developers need Screen Design Aid (SDA)? IBM removed SDA in 7.6, but there is another way to maintain your DDS display files.

Christian Larsen’s free and open source Display File DDS Edit extension lets you visually edit and preview display files in VS Code and IBM Bob. For shops that depend on SDA, the extension can remove an obstacle to upgrading.

Christian joined us at our September 25, 2026, Code for i Fridays meeting to demonstrate the editor and answer questions. We have posted the video of Christian’s demonstration, with his permission.

Working with your display files

As you edit DDS, the extension shows a preview of your screen. You can drag fields into position, add fields and constants, and see how indicator settings affect the display.

Christian’s demonstration covers tasks familiar to SDA users, including:

• Moving and adding fields
• Working with indicators and function keys
• Resolving referenced fields
• Overlaying records
• Designing windows
• Supporting multiple display sizes

Preparing for IBM i 7.6

If SDA is on your list of reasons to stay on an older release, take a look at VS Code, Code for i, and this extension. You can keep maintaining your existing DDS screens using VS Code or IBM Bob.

Getting started

Install Display File DDS Edit from the Visual Studio Marketplace. In VS Code, open a DDS display file, and look for DSPF STRUCTURE in Explorer. From there, you can navigate the file and access editing options. The Marketplace page also links to documentation and a place to report issues or request enhancements.

Thank you to Christian for sharing his work and taking questions from the group.

For more demonstrations and discussions like this one, join us for Code for i Fridays. Bring a question, share something you’ve learned, or just listen. Sign up to receive meeting invitations and recording links.