runAction does not execute when invoked via multiCommand

[ChriMasi]

When using the runAction command (e.g. code‑for‑ibmi.runAction) defined in code-for-ibmi.actions, invoking it manually via the Command Palette → Run Action → [Action Name] works correctly and outputs results in the "Code for IBM i" output channel. However, if I invoke the same action via a multiCommand sequence (in settings.json), nothing happens—no errors, no output, and the action isn’t executed. The Sequence proceeds without executing the intended action.
Please enable runAction to be invoked programmatically—via executeCommand, macros, or multiCommand—so it behaves exactly as when triggered manually from the palette. Ideally, the action should execute reliably, with output logged to the "Code for IBM i" channel.
Example minimal configuration:
{
"type": "member",
"extensions": [
"RPGLE",
"RPG"
],
"environment": "ile",
"name": "WL",
"command": "WLIVEL NOMPGM(&OPENMBR) LIBSRC(&OPENLIB) SOURCEFILE(&OPENSPF) FLAG(S)",
"refresh": "no",
"runOnProtected": false,
"outputToFile": ""
}
],
"multiCommand.commands": [
{
"command": "multiCommand.runWLWithRefresh",
"sequence": [
{
"command": "code-for-ibmi.runAction",
"args": {
"name": "WL"
}
},
"workbench.action.files.save",
"workbench.action.closeActiveEditor",
"workbench.action.reopenClosedEditor"
]
}
]

Environment and versions:

VS Code version: 1.101.0

Code for IBM i extension version: 2.16.3

Operating System: Win 11

[sebjulliand]

Please enable runAction to be invoked programmatically—via executeCommand, macros, or multiCommand

What are executeCommand, macros, or multiCommand ? Are they provided by some other extensions?

[ChriMasi]

I’m using the multiCommand extension (https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ryuta46.multi-command), which can execute commands from VS Code and other extensions by selecting them from the list shown in Keyboard Shortcuts.

My goal is to run one of my Code for IBM i actions and then refresh the file.

When I run the action manually (Command Palette → Run Action → WL), it works perfectly and logs output in the “Code for IBM i” output channel.
However, when I try to invoke the same action from a multiCommand sequence using:

{
"command": "code-for-ibmi.runAction",
"args": { "name": "WL" }
}
…the sequence continues, but the action itself is not executed — no errors, no output.

From my understanding, code-for-ibmi.runAction should behave the same whether invoked from the palette or via multiCommand, but currently it doesn’t.

[sebjulliand]

From my understanding, code-for-ibmi.runAction should behave the same whether invoked from the palette or via multiCommand, but currently it doesn’t.

There is a slight misunderstanding there. Here is code-for-ibmi.runAction signature:

vscode-ibmi/src/commands/actions.ts

Line 13 in 467c78d

commands.registerCommand(`code-for-ibmi.runAction`, async (item?: (TreeItem | BrowserItem | Uri), items?: (TreeItem | BrowserItem | Uri)[], action?: Action, method?: DeploymentMethod, workspaceFolder?: WorkspaceFolder) => {

When called from the command palette, it receives no arguments; otherwise, it is called on view items or explorer items. These are the only arguments it expects.

Since you're calling it with an unexpected argument (i.e. the { "name" : "WL" } object), it doesn't work.

Try calling it with no argument and it should work as when called from the command palette.

[ChriMasi]

Hi, thanks for the clarification and for sharing the code snippet.

I’m trying to understand how to invoke a specific action programmatically using code-for-ibmi.runAction.

From your explanation, it seems that the command normally expects certain arguments related to items like TreeItem, BrowserItem, or Uri, but I’m not sure exactly what parameters are required or supported when calling it programmatically.

Is there a way to run a specific action by name (for example, “WL”) directly via code or command invocation, without triggering any UI prompt or selection list?

I’m interested in automating workflows where the action runs silently on a known target.

Could you please clarify what arguments code-for-ibmi.runAction expects and if there is a supported way to invoke a named action directly?

Thanks in advance.

[ChriMasi]

Hi,

Just to add some context on the specific action “WL”: it’s an action that generates nested loops and conditions directly in the comment area of an RPG Fixed source file.

My goal is to automate a workflow where, after running the “WL” action that writes these nestings into the source, the file automatically reloads in the editor so I can immediately see the updated content including the newly added nesting comments.

In other words, I want to run the “WL” action programmatically, then have the source file refresh so the changes become visible without manual reopening.

Is there a recommended way to chain these steps (run action + reload file) so the workflow is smooth and automatic?

Thanks!

[sebjulliand]

Is there a way to run a specific action by name (for example, “WL”) directly via code or command invocation, without triggering any UI prompt or selection list?

It's not possible because of the way code-for-ibmi.runAction is designed. Your best option for now is to call it without any argument. It will prompt you for the name of the action to run; I know it won't be as automated as you'd like, but it's your only option for now.