Optimizing IBM i Development and Deployment Harnessing the Power of Git and Subclipse Plugin

Maintaining effective version control and simplifying operations is crucial when managing a software development project in today’s fast-paced environment. Modern tools can improve productivity and efficiency regarding IBM i development and implementation. Let’s explore two popular options in this blog post – Git and Subclipse plugins – and how they can streamline IBM i development and deployment. 

Git: The power of version control

Software development projects are increasingly using distributed version control systems like Git. Its flexibility, scalability, and potential branching capabilities make IBM i (AS400)  an excellent choice for development. This is how Git can enhance your IBM i workflow:

1. Centralized storage

Git allows multiple developers to collaborate seamlessly on IBM i projects by keeping a centralized repository. The central repository can be cloned locally, modified, and pushed back by any developer. As a result of this centralized approach, collaboration is fostered, and everyone is working on the latest code.

2. Branches and mergers

The capabilities of Git branching and merging allow developers to work simultaneously on multiple features without interfering with each other’s work. When working on complex IBM i applications, this feature enables teams to create, test, and integrate changes in a structured and controlled manner.

3. Code history and rollback

It is easier to track bugs and roll back changes with Git due to its ability to display the full history of changes. In the event of a problem or regression, you can revert the changes that triggered the problem and your IBM i application is back to its stable state.

4. Connection to CI/CD Pipelines

Git integrates seamlessly with Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to automate build, test, and deployment processes. As a result of this integration, the development cycle is accelerated, and productivity is increased.

Subclipse Plugin: Simplifying IBM i development in Eclipse

In IBM i development, Eclipse is a popular integrated development environment (IDE). The Subclipse plugin integrates Subversion (SVN) version control seamlessly into Eclipse. Let’s examine how Subclipse boosts IBM i development:

1. Code repository integration

Eclipse’s Subclipse plugin allows you to connect directly to a Subversion repository, thereby enabling version control actions. It eliminates the need for an external SVN client to enforce code changes, updates, and mergers.

2. Discussion and conflict resolution

Subclipse provides easy collaboration between developers by providing real-time access to code repositories. To simplify the conflict resolution process, it highlights conflicts when rules are merged, enabling developers to address them more quickly. It simplifies the IBM i development process and improves team collaboration.

3. Integrating project management

The Subclipse automation system integrates with various project management tools like Trac and Redmine, which makes it easy to connect code changes to specific problems or projects. As a result of this integration, it is easier to track progress and link code changes to specific project requirements and bug fixes.

4. Historical and Semantic Comparison

A Subclipse plugin provides extensive tools for viewing code history and comparing disparate files. Developers can use this service to improve the overall quality and maintenance of IBM i applications by better understanding code progress, tracking changes, and diagnosing problems.

Conclusion

The development and deployment of IBM i require effective version control and collaboration. Both the Subclipse plugin and Git offer powerful features to streamline workflows, increase team productivity, and ensure code integrity. The distributed quality and repository capabilities of Git and Subclipse provide flexibility and scalability, while the seamless integration of Eclipse version control with your IDE provides seamless integration with Eclipse version control. With these simplifying tools, you can customize your IBM i development and deployment process better which has led to faster delivery, improved code quality, and more successful projects.