Source Orbit is a dependency management system designed specifically for IBM i projects.
Software Dependency Management System??
A software dependency management system is a tool or process used to identify, track, and control the dependencies between different components of a software project.
Quite simply, Source Orbit helps developers manage and understand their source code, especially when using Git for languages like RPGLE, CL, DDS, and SQL. Here are some key features and benefits of Source Orbit:
- Dependency Tree : Scans all applicable source code to build a comprehensive dependency tree.
- Impact Analysis : Shows how objects would be affected as developers write code, helping to foresee potential issues.
- Automation : Can generate JSON or build scripts to automatically build application changes.
- Reporting : Generates real-time reports for branches being worked on, allowing project owners to see their application status.
- Migration Support : Assists in migrating code to Git, making the transition smoother.
That already sounds pretty cool right?
So, what are the benefits for IBM i Programmers:
- Enhanced Code Understanding : By visualizing dependencies, programmers can better understand the structure and relationships within their codebase.
- Improved Productivity : Automation of build processes and impact analysis can save time and reduce errors.
- Real-Time Insights : Reporting features provide immediate feedback on the state of the application, aiding in quicker decision-making.
- Seamless Migration : Helps in transitioning legacy code to modern version control systems like Git, ensuring that the codebase is up-to-date and manageable.
How do we install Source Orbit?
Source Orbit installs on your IBM i System. It is then accessed via a PASE SHELL directly from VSCode for example. You can get the installation package for IBM i Source Orbit from the IBM website or your IBM i software repository.
In the next lesson, come with me while I download, install and show it working...
