CICS Explorer is quite tolerant of versions of CICS TS. To coincide with the release of CICS TS V5.6, we've made it even more so. Read on to find out more!
CICS Explorer, z/OS Explorer, and Eclipse; a recap.
CICS Explorer provides CICS-specific function and is built on top of z/OS Explorer, providing z/OS function like FTP and RSE. They're both built on top of the Eclipse IDE. IBM provides update sites that collect together versions of Eclipse-based mainframe software that are tested together as part of the Aqua release train.
Different versions of the Aqua release train are built on top of different versions of Eclipse.
CICS Explorer version nirvana
To make CICS Explorer simpler to consume, as far as possible we will release compatibility updates so that the CICS Explorer in each version of the Aqua release train is compatible with all in-service versions of CICS TS.
This will mean that you can choose your version of the Aqua release train based on which version of Eclipse you require, or whether you require newer function (older Aqua release trains will receive fewer functional updates.)
Clearer names
Because the version of CICS Explorer supplied with Aqua V3.1 can now connect to all in-service versions of CICS TS, it becomes confusing to give it a version number aligned with CICS.
Therefore we are changing the way we talk about CICS Explorer as follows:
CICS Explorer V5.4 will be described as CICS Explorer for Aqua* V3.1
CICS Explorer V5.5 will be described as CICS Explorer for Aqua V3.2
Both will connect to all versions of CICS TS. CICS Explorer for Aqua V3.2 will contain new function to exploit CICS TS V5.6, and will continue to receive regular functional updates. CICS Explorer for Aqua V3.1 will connect to CICS TS V5.6 and will be refreshed with bug fixes and security updates.
Find them in the usual place
Download mainframe Eclipse tooling from https://developer.ibm.com/mainframe/products/downloads/.
* Where Aqua refers to IBM Explorer for z/OS Aqua