ISPF personalization tips - IBA-mainframe-dev/Global-Repository-for-Mainframe-Developers GitHub Wiki

SWAPBAR - multi-tabs for logical screens

SWAPBAR will display all the active logical session names at bottom of the screen. To run, type in the command line:

SWAPBAR ON

Usage tips:

  • Enter START in any ISPF screen to start a new logical session. You can START up to 8 screens.
    • Entry for your current session will have an asterisk (*) at the first character’s position
  • To navigate between sessions use the PF9 key
    • You can enter the number of a specific session in the command line (for example, 3) and press PF9.
    • You can type LIST at the command line and press PF9. A list of sessions will be displayed. To go to a specific session, type S in front of it
    • All sessions are point-and-shoot. So that you can simply point your cursor to the session name which you want to pull up and then press the Enter key
  • To close a logical session, enter =X

Home button takes the cursor to start of command line

  1. On the PRIMARY OPTION MENU (main ISPF screen) select Option 0 (Settings).
  2. If the "Command line at bottom" line has a "/" in front of it, remove the "/".
  3. Here there is an option "Tab to action bar choices". Deselect that option.

Pointer to cursor position

Depends on the installed emulator:

  • for BlueZone

  • for PComm: try pressing the Ctrl + Home key combination

Built-in emulator capabilities

Emulators usually provide users with customization abilities like fonts, colors, etc.

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