How do we get started with BOB for IBM i Systems?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started with Bob, the Better Object Builder for IBM i:

Install BOB:

  • Access Client Solutions for IBM i has a simple download/install procedure as part of the OPEN SOURCE menu function.
How do we get started with BOB for IBM i Systems? 1

You can also Install BOB Manually if you are a glutton for punishment:

  • Download Bob : You can find the latest version of Bob on its [GitHub repository](https://github.com/s4isystems/bob).
  • Upload to IBM i : Transfer the downloaded files to your IBM i system using FTP or another file transfer method.
  • Install : Follow the installation instructions provided in the repository's README file.

Set Up Your Environment

  • Create a Build Directory : Organize your source code and create a directory for your build scripts.
  • Configure Bob : Create a 'Makefile' in your build directory. This file will define how your objects are built. You can find sample 'Makefile' templates in the Bob repository.

Define Your Build Rules

  • Specify Source Files : List your source files and their dependencies in the 'Makefile'.
  • Set Compile Parameters : Define the compile parameters for each type of object (e.g., RPG, COBOL, CL).
  • Custom Recipes : If needed, create custom recipes for special objects or processes.

Run Bob

  • Build Command : Navigate to your build directory and run the 'make' command to start the build process.
  • Monitor Output : Bob will compile only the necessary objects and provide output logs for you to review.

Integrate with IDE

If you use Visual Studio Code (or RDi), you can integrate Bob to build your projects directly from the IDE. This allows for a more streamlined development process.

Done?
 Mark lesson complete
Previous Lesson
To Course Page
{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>