Best Practices for Managing IBM i Applications in Git on an IBM Power System

Introduction

Effectively managing IBM i applications using Git version control on an IBM Power System requires following certain best practices. This lesson will cover the key considerations and steps to ensure a smooth and efficient development workflow.

Understand the IBM i File System

The IBM i operating system uses a unique file system structure that differs from traditional file systems found on other platforms. It's important to understand the different object types, such as source members, programs, and databases, and how they map to Git repositories.

Set up the Git Repository

When setting up the Git repository for your IBM i applications, consider the following:

• Use a remote Git repository hosted on a service like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket to facilitate collaboration and backup.
• Organize your repository by grouping related applications or components into separate directories or submodules.
• Ensure that all necessary object types (source members, programs, databases, etc.) are included in the repository.

Manage Source Code

Effective management of source code is crucial for maintaining a reliable and collaborative development environment. Follow these best practices:

• Use meaningful and consistent naming conventions for source members and other objects.
• Regularly commit changes to the Git repository, using clear and descriptive commit messages.
• Implement a branching strategy, such as the Git Flow model, to manage feature development, bug fixes, and releases.
• Regularly merge changes from the development branch to the main branch to keep the codebase up-to-date.

Handle IBM i-specific Objects

IBM i applications often include objects that are not easily represented in a traditional file-based Git repository. Address these challenges by:

• Storing database definitions, such as files and logical files, in the Git repository as SQL scripts or data definitions.
• Handling compiled objects, like programs and service programs, by storing the source code and using build scripts to compile them during the deployment process.
• Considering the use of Git LFS (Large File Storage) for managing large binary objects, such as compiled programs or database backups.

Integrate with IBM i Development Tools

Leverage the integration between Git and IBM i development tools to streamline your workflow. This may include:

• Using Git integration features in IBM i development tools, such as RDi (Rational Developer for i) or VSCODE, to manage source code and collaborate with team members.
• Automating the build and deployment process using CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment) pipelines that can fetch the latest code from the Git repository, compile the necessary objects, and deploy them to the IBM i system.

Maintain Secure and Reliable Backups

Ensure the long-term preservation of your IBM i application source code by:

• Regularly backing up the Git repository to a secure location, such as a cloud-based storage service or an on-premises backup system.
• Implementing access controls and permissions to the Git repository to prevent unauthorized modifications or data loss.
• Regularly testing the restoration process to ensure the reliability of your backups.

By following these best practices, you can effectively manage your IBM i applications using Git version control on an IBM Power System, ensuring a robust, collaborative, and secure development environment.