Using Git with IBM i Source Code on an IBM Power System

As an IBM i developer, you're likely familiar with the traditional source control tools available on the platform, such as PDM and RCS. While these tools have served the IBM i community well, the rise of modern version control systems like Git has opened up new possibilities for managing your IBM i application source code.

In this lesson, we'll explore how to effectively use Git to manage your IBM i source code on an IBM Power System.

Integrating Git with IBM i Development

To use Git for your IBM i source code, you have a few options:

Install Git directly on your IBM i system:

  • You can install Git in the IBM i Portable Application Solutions Environment (PASE), which allows you to run select UNIX-based applications on your IBM i system.
  • This approach allows you to manage your IBM i source code directly within the Git repository on your IBM i system.

Use a Git client on a separate system:

  • If you don't want to install Git directly on your IBM i system, you can use a Git client on a separate Windows, macOS, or Linux system that can access your IBM i resources.
  • This approach may involve setting up SSH keys or other connectivity methods to securely connect to your IBM i system.

Regardless of the approach you choose, the key steps for using Git with your IBM i source code are the same:

Initialize a new Git repository:

  • Create a new Git repository in the directory where your IBM i source code is stored.
  • This will allow you to start tracking changes to your files using Git.

Add your IBM i source code files:

  • Use the git add command to stage your IBM i source code files (e.g., RPG, COBOL, CL) for the initial commit.
  • Commit the files to create the first snapshot of your IBM i application in the Git repository.

Manage changes with Git:

  • As you continue to develop your IBM i application, use Git commands like git commit, git push, and git pull to track, share, and synchronize changes with your team.
  • Take advantage of Git's branching and merging capabilities to isolate and integrate new features or bug fixes.

Integrate Git with your IBM i development workflow:

  • Explore ways to seamlessly incorporate Git into your existing IBM i development processes, such as using Git with your preferred IDE or build automation tools.
  • Establish best practices for managing IBM i-specific source code (e.g., source physical files, data areas) within the Git repository.

Benefits of Using Git for IBM i Source Code

By integrating Git into your IBM i development workflow, you can enjoy several key benefits:

Improved version control and collaboration:

  • Git's robust version control features and distributed nature enable better tracking of changes and collaboration among your development team.

Flexibility and modern tooling:

  • Git integrates well with a wide range of modern development tools and platforms, allowing you to leverage the same tools and workflows used by the broader software development community.

Streamlined development processes:

  • Git's branching and merging capabilities make it easier to manage complex development workflows, such as feature branches, bug fixes, and releases.

Increased productivity and efficiency:

  • By adopting Git, you can streamline your IBM i development processes, reduce the risk of errors, and improve the overall quality of your IBM i applications.

Conclusion

Integrating Git into your IBM i development workflow on an IBM Power System can be a game-changer, providing you with the benefits of modern version control and collaboration tools while still maintaining your IBM i-specific development practices. By following the steps outlined in this lesson, you can start leveraging the power of Git to manage your IBM i source code and take your IBM i development to new heights.

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