Git Workflows on the IBM i Power System

When working with IBM i applications on the Power System, it's important to have a well-defined Git workflow to ensure a smooth and collaborative development process. In this lesson, we'll explore some common Git workflows that can be effectively applied to IBM i development.

Understanding Git Workflows

A Git workflow is a set of rules and best practices that define how developers interact with a Git repository, manage branches, and collaborate on a project. The choice of workflow depends on the size of the team, the complexity of the project, and the specific requirements of the IBM i application.

Some popular Git workflows include:

  • Centralized Workflow: A single main branch, with developers committing directly to it.
  • Feature Branch Workflow: Developers create separate branches for each new feature or bug fix, then merge them back into the main branch.
  • Git Flow: A more structured workflow with separate branches for features, releases, and hotfixes.
  • Forking Workflow: Developers create their own remote repositories (forks) and submit pull requests to the main repository.

    • Centralized Workflow for IBM i Development

    The Centralized Workflow is a simple and straightforward approach that can work well for small IBM i development teams. In this workflow:

  • Developers clone the main repository to their local machines.
  • They make changes and commit directly to the main branch.
  • Developers regularly pull the latest changes from the main branch to keep their local copies up-to-date.
  • When ready, developers push their changes to the main remote repository.

    • This workflow is easy to understand and implement, but it lacks the flexibility and isolation provided by feature branches.

    Feature Branch Workflow for IBM i Development

    The Feature Branch Workflow is a more robust approach that can be well-suited for larger IBM i development teams. In this workflow:

  • Developers create a new branch for each new feature or bug fix.
  • They make their changes and commit to the feature branch.
  • When the feature is complete, the developer merges the feature branch into the main branch.
  • Developers regularly pull the latest changes from the main branch to keep their local feature branches up-to-date.

    • This workflow helps to isolate changes, making it easier to manage conflicts and maintain a clean commit history. It also facilitates code reviews and collaboration among team members.

    Git Flow for IBM i Development

    The Git Flow workflow is a more structured approach that can be particularly useful for IBM i applications with complex release cycles. In this workflow:

  • The main branch is used for production-ready code.
  • Developers create feature branches for new developments.
  • When a feature is complete, it is merged into the develop branch.
  • The develop branch is used to integrate features and prepare for a new release.
  • When ready, a release branch is created from the develop branch, and the release is tested and finalized.
  • The release branch is then merged into the main branch and tagged.
  • Hotfixes are created directly from the main branch and merged back into both the main and develop branches.

    • This workflow helps to maintain a clear separation of concerns and facilitates the management of complex release cycles, which can be common in the IBM i ecosystem.

    Forking Workflow for IBM i Development

    The Forking Workflow is a decentralized approach that can be useful for open-source or collaborative IBM i projects. In this workflow:

  • Developers create their own remote repositories (forks) of the main project repository.
  • They make changes and commit to their local forks.
  • When ready, developers submit pull requests to the main repository, which are then reviewed and merged by the project maintainers.

    • This workflow encourages collaboration and contribution from a wider community, but it may require more overhead in terms of managing pull requests and maintaining code quality.

    Best Practices

    Regardless of the Git workflow you choose for your IBM i development, consider the following best practices:

  • Communicate the chosen workflow with your team and ensure everyone understands the process.
  • Automate as much as possible, such as setting up CI/CD pipelines to build, test, and deploy your IBM i applications.
  • Regularly review and update your workflow to adapt to changing requirements or team dynamics.
  • Provide training and support to help team members become proficient with the chosen workflow.
  • Encourage code reviews and collaboration to maintain code quality and shared understanding.

    • By adopting a well-defined Git workflow, you can streamline your IBM i development process on the Power System.

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