Updating the client to a new release

Use these instructions to update the client to a new release by using IBM® Installation Manager or the Eclipse p2 provisioning platform. To update the client, you must use the same method that you used to install it. If you need to migrate a workspace to the new version of the client, see the instructions in Migrating workspaces to a new version.

Verifying update version compatibility

IBM® Developer for z/OS® can only be updated within the same major release. Continuous Delivery (CD) updates provide incremental improvements and fixes within that release, but updates do not apply across major versions. To move to a newer major release, you must perform a full installation of the newer version.

Use this table to see which releases can be updated to a new release. For any combination that cannot be updated, you must uninstall and reinstall the product, or install it to a new package group or folder. For information about client-server compatibility, see IBM® Developer for z/OS® client-server compatibility. If you encounter errors when updating the client, see the troubleshooting articles in the Related information section at the bottom of this page.

For information about client-server compatibility, see IBM® Developer for z/OS® client-server compatibility. If you encounter errors updating the client, see the troubleshooting articles in the related information at the bottom of this page.

Table 1. Matrix of compatible client version updates
Installed Version Can Be Updated To
17.0.x
17.0 (Aqua 3.4) No1
17.0.x (Aqua 3.4) Yes 234
  1. Limitations: IBM Developer for z/OS 17.0 cannot be updated to version 17.0.1 or later 17.0.x fix packs.
  2. IBM Developer for z/OS was refreshed on 21 May 2025 to fix an update issue. Starting with build 17.0.1 (202505141635-85) - shown in Help > About - you can update an IBM Developer for z/OS P2 installation to later versions.
    • If the build is earlier than 202505141635-85, install IBM Developer for z/OS 17.0.1 (202505141635-85) or a later 17.0.x fix pack as a new standalone application (you may reuse an existing workspace). Install any required Aqua extension products as well. See Installing the IBM Developer for z/OS Eclipse client
    • If the build is 202505141635-85 or newer, use Help > Check for Updates to upgrade directly. For more information, see Updating the client to a new release.
      Important: After updating to build 17.0.1 (202505141635-85) or later—or to any future 17.0.x continuous delivery update—install the refreshed license activation kit from Passport Advantage to complete the fix.
  3. IBM Developer for z/OS p2 installations cannot be updated to standard IBM Developer for z/OS versions using Installation Manager, and vice versa.
  4. Installation Manager support begins with IBM Developer for z/OS 17.0.3 on Windows. Updates using Installation Manager are supported from IBM Developer for z/OS 17.0.3 to later 17.0.x versions.

Obtaining the target client version

The Aqua repositories and update sites for the target client versions are located at these addresses. If you need to add them to Eclipse, you can copy them here.
Version 17.0.x (Aqua 3.4)
https://public.dhe.ibm.com/ibmdl/export/pub/software/htp/zos/tools/aqua3.4/
(link)

Updating by using IBM Installation Manager

If you need to update Installation Manager, see the instructions in Updating Installation Manager.

Tip: If you experience difficulty when you update IBM Installation Manager, try adding this update repository site to the Installation Manager Preferences.
https://public.dhe.ibm.com/software/rationalsdp/v7/im/updates/

This procedure assumes you previously installed the client on your computer by using IBM Installation Manager.

  1. Open IBM Installation Manager.
  2. If necessary, copy and paste the target version repository to Preferences. For instructions, see Repository preferences.
  3. Click Update and select the package group for the client version you want to update.
  4. Click Next.IBM Installation Manager gathers update information for the target version.
  5. Select the target version and click Next.IBM Installation Manager guides you through the installation and prompts you to accept the trial license agreement and select features to install.
  6. Select installation options and click Update. The client update takes several minutes.
  7. When the installation is complete, click Finish to close IBM Installation Manager.

Updating by using Eclipse p2

This procedure assumes that you previously installed the client on your computer by using the Eclipse p2 provisioning platform.

1. Updating the client code

  1. Start the IBM Developer for z/OS client.
  2. If necessary, copy and paste the target version Aqua update site to the Eclipse Available Software Sites preference page. For instructions, see Adding a new software site.
    Tip:
    • The Aqua update site address must contain the prefix https:// instead of http://. To edit the prefix, use the Available Software Sites preference page. For more information about working with update sites, see Working with the Available Software sites.
      Editing an update site address
    • When updating from version 17.0.2 to version 17.0.3, uncheck the Available Update Sites options for CDT and Eclipse IDE Integration for Maven.
  3. Click Help > Check for Updates.The product checks the Aqua update site for available updates, and then opens the Available Updates window. This process might take several minutes.
    Trouble: If you check for updates and receive messages similar to the following, then you might need to edit the address of the Aqua update site to correct the prefix or url.
    Unable to connect to repository error message

    To correct this error, click the available software sites link in the Information window, select the Aqua update site in the Preferences window, and then click Edit to change the update site address prefix or url.

  4. On the Available Updates window, click Select All, and then click Next.
    Available Updates
  5. Review your selections, and then click Next.
  6. Review the licenses, click I accept the terms of the license agreements, and then click Finish.
    1. If prompted with a security warning, click Install anyway.
    2. If prompted for trusted certificates, click Select All, and then click Trust Selected.
      Trusted Certificates
    The product installs the updates and then prompts you to restart. This process might take a few minutes.
    Restart prompt
  7. Click Restart Now.
  8. To verify the new product version, click Help > About IBM Developer for z/OS
    About IBM Developer for z/OS