SEU, or Source Entry Utility, is a text-based editor and one of the essential components of the Application Development Tool Set (ADTS) in IBM i (formerly AS/400 or iSeries). It is used for creating, editing, and maintaining source code files in various programming languages, such as RPG (Report Program Generator), CL (Control Language), and COBOL, on the IBM i platform. Here is a detailed explanation of SEU within ADTS on IBM i:

User Interface:

SEU provides a character-based, green-screen interface for editing source code. It is a menu-driven tool, and developers interact with it through text-based commands and keyboard shortcuts.

Main Functions:

SEU primarily serves as a source code editor and offers several critical functions:
Creating Source Code: You can create new source code files from scratch using SEU by pressing F6 key in PDM under a source physical file.
Editing Source Code: Developers use SEU to open existing source code files for editing. It provides syntax highlighting and indentation to improve code readability.

Navigation: SEU allows easy navigation through the source code, including functions like finding text, moving between code sections, and jumping to specific line numbers.

Compilation Support: SEU integrates with the IBM i development environment, allowing you to compile and run programs directly from the editor.

Copy and Paste: Standard copy-and-paste functionality is supported, which is useful for code reuse and modification.
Print and Save: SEU enables you to print or save source code files, making it easier to document or share code.

Integration with Other Tools: It can be used in conjunction with other ADTS tools like SDA (Screen Design Aid) and PDM (Programmer’s Development Manager) to develop complete applications.

Programming Language Support:

SEU is versatile and supports multiple programming languages commonly used on IBM i, such as RPG, CL, COBOL, and more. It provides syntax highlighting and context-specific features for each language.

Customization:

You can customize SEU to match your preferences and coding standards. This includes defining keyboard shortcuts, configuring display options, and setting indentation rules.

Multiple Modes:

SEU operates in different modes depending on the type of source code being edited. For example, it has different modes for RPG, CL, and other languages, adapting its features and behaviour accordingly.

Version Control:

While SEU itself does not provide version control, it can be used in conjunction with external version control systems or practices to manage source code versions and changes.

Security and Access Control:

Access to SEU and the ability to modify source code files can be controlled through security settings, ensuring that only authorized users can make changes to code.

Documentation and Comments:

SEU allows developers to add comments and documentation within the source code, helping to explain the purpose and functionality of code segments.

Search and Replace:

SEU offers powerful search and replace capabilities, allowing developers to efficiently locate and modify code elements throughout the source code.
In summary, SEU is a crucial tool within the ADTS on IBM i for creating, editing, and maintaining source code files in various programming languages. Its text-based interface and integrated features make it a widely used and versatile tool for software development on the IBM i platform.

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Integration with Other Tools: It can be used in conjunction with other ADTS tools like SDA (Screen Design Aid) and PDM (Programmer’s Development Manager) to develop complete applications.

Programming Language Support:

SEU is versatile and supports multiple programming languages commonly used on IBM i, such as RPG, CL, COBOL, and more. It provides syntax highlighting and context-specific features for each language.

Customization:

You can customize SEU to match your preferences and coding standards. This includes defining keyboard shortcuts, configuring display options, and setting indentation rules.

Multiple Modes:

SEU operates in different modes depending on the type of source code being edited. For example, it has different modes for RPG, CL, and other languages, adapting its features and behaviour accordingly.

Version Control:

While SEU itself does not provide version control, it can be used in conjunction with external version control systems or practices to manage source code versions and changes.

Security and Access Control:

Access to SEU and the ability to modify source code files can be controlled through security settings, ensuring that only authorized users can make changes to code.

Documentation and Comments:

SEU allows developers to add comments and documentation within the source code, helping to explain the purpose and functionality of code segments.

Search and Replace:

SEU offers powerful search and replace capabilities, allowing developers to efficiently locate and modify code elements throughout the source code.
In summary, SEU is a crucial tool within the ADTS on IBM i for creating, editing, and maintaining source code files in various programming languages. Its text-based interface and integrated features make it a widely used and versatile tool for software development on the IBM i platform.