IBM Dependency Based Build

A modern build solution for z/OS that offers a framework for tracking builds and supports any Git-based SCM

 

Product documentation
line illustration of server building on laptop

Optimize and automate dependency tracking and incremental builds

IBM® Dependency Based Build is a modern build solution for mainframe applications that optimizes and automates dependency tracking and incremental builds, enhancing DevOps efficiency for z/OS® development. It’s an advanced build system for traditional z/OS applications such as COBOL and PL/I. It manages build dependencies intelligently, streamlining development with automation and integration into modern Git-based workflows and popular DevOps tools such as Jenkins and GitLab. This stand-alone, framework-independent solution enables standardized DevOps practices across platforms, simplifying builds with a modern scripting language while helping ensure mainframe reliability.
Available as a stand-alone product or part of IBM Developer for z/OS Enterprise Edition, IBM Dependency Based Build includes the zBuilder (from version 3.0.x). zBuilder, a YAML-based build tool, supports various build lifecycles such as full, impact and personal builds. It works out of the box but can also be customized for specific needs, accelerating delivery while maintaining reliability.
 Upgrading the DBB Db2 or Db2 for z/OS database Updates on new features and enhancements
Boosted efficiency with smart build management

Tracks and manages dependencies automatically, helping ensure that only necessary parts are rebuilt. You can use Java™ API to run tasks on z/OS, create build scripts and store reports, leading to faster, more accurate builds.
Flexible integration without lock-in

Works seamlessly with popular tools such as Git, Jenkins and VS Code, without locking you into specific platforms. Its flexibility allows easy integration with modern workflows, including support for Git migrations, while enabling control over the pipeline.
Automation for faster continuous integration

Automates tasks such as testing and quality checks based on code changes, helping ensure up-to-date builds. It fits into any CI/CD pipeline, speeding up delivery and helping ensure reliable results across different platforms.

Features

Git-based SCM integration

IBM Dependency Based Build supports integration with any preferred Git-based source control management (SCM) system, enabling seamless management of mainframe assets in modern development workflows.

         Integrate with external tools
    Dependency tracking and management

    IBM Dependency Based Build automatically tracks dependencies between source code objects, helping ensure efficient builds by only recompiling the necessary components, reducing build times and optimizing performance.

                 How to manage build dependencies
        Java API for z/OS task automation

        IBM Dependency Based Build enables running z/OS tasks and running MVS and TSO/ISPF commands. This API supports automation of build processes and integrates with tools to manage dependencies and source code efficiently.

                         DBB server API reference
            Continuous integration and tool agnostic

            IBM Dependency Based Build integrates into any CI/CD pipeline, including Jenkins, Azure DevOps and GitLab CI, through its Command Line Interface (CLI). This allows teams to automate builds and tests in their existing pipelines without being locked into a specific tool.

                                 Usage scenarios GitLab and IBM Z DevOps Solutions; CI/CD Pipeline
                Integration with IBM Test Accelerator for Z

                IBM Dependency Based Build integrates with IBM Test Accelerator (TAZ) for z/OS. This allows developers to automate and run dynamic tests as part of the CI/CD pipeline, improving the quality and reliability of builds without the need to deploy artifacts to target environments.

                                         Explore IBM Test Accelerator for Z Run IBM Test Accelerator for Z unit tests
                    Build report management and open toolchain flexibility

                    IBM Dependency Based Build stores detailed build reports, provides insight into the build process and integrates with open toolchains such as GitLab and Jenkins. It does all these without requiring specific source code managers, giving teams flexibility and control over their development environments.

                    By combining the power of the GitLab Ultimate for IBM z/OS platform with IBM Dependency Based Build, it offers an intelligent build system tailored for traditional z/OS applications. This integration simplifies the management of diverse toolchains and streamlines software delivery workflows, making it easier to implement continuous integration and delivery.

                                             Build report API
                      Git-based SCM integration

                      IBM Dependency Based Build supports integration with any preferred Git-based source control management (SCM) system, enabling seamless management of mainframe assets in modern development workflows.

                                                 Integrate with external tools
                        Dependency tracking and management

                        IBM Dependency Based Build automatically tracks dependencies between source code objects, helping ensure efficient builds by only recompiling the necessary components, reducing build times and optimizing performance.

                                                         How to manage build dependencies
                            Java API for z/OS task automation

                            IBM Dependency Based Build enables running z/OS tasks and running MVS and TSO/ISPF commands. This API supports automation of build processes and integrates with tools to manage dependencies and source code efficiently.

                                                                 DBB server API reference
                                Continuous integration and tool agnostic

                                IBM Dependency Based Build integrates into any CI/CD pipeline, including Jenkins, Azure DevOps and GitLab CI, through its Command Line Interface (CLI). This allows teams to automate builds and tests in their existing pipelines without being locked into a specific tool.

                                                                         Usage scenarios GitLab and IBM Z DevOps Solutions; CI/CD Pipeline
                                    Integration with IBM Test Accelerator for Z

                                    IBM Dependency Based Build integrates with IBM Test Accelerator (TAZ) for z/OS. This allows developers to automate and run dynamic tests as part of the CI/CD pipeline, improving the quality and reliability of builds without the need to deploy artifacts to target environments.

                                                                                 Explore IBM Test Accelerator for Z Run IBM Test Accelerator for Z unit tests
                                        Build report management and open toolchain flexibility

                                        IBM Dependency Based Build stores detailed build reports, provides insight into the build process and integrates with open toolchains such as GitLab and Jenkins. It does all these without requiring specific source code managers, giving teams flexibility and control over their development environments.

                                        By combining the power of the GitLab Ultimate for IBM z/OS platform with IBM Dependency Based Build, it offers an intelligent build system tailored for traditional z/OS applications. This integration simplifies the management of diverse toolchains and streamlines software delivery workflows, making it easier to implement continuous integration and delivery.

                                                                                     Build report API

                                          Technical details

                                          Render of slinky-style object suggesting transformation and progression
                                          Before you install IBM Dependency Based Build be sure that the following system requirements are met:

                                          IBM Dependency Based Build is a Java API and application that supports both Java 11 and Java 17 IBM JVMs. Before you install IBM Dependency Based Build, at least one of the following products must be installed and operational on the z/OS environment where IBM Dependency Based Build is to run:

                                          • Program Number 5655-DGJ - IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, 11.0
                                          • Program Number 5655-UA1 - IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition for z/OS, 17.0
                                                                                     Explore the prerequisites Building z/OS applications with the zBuilder

                                          Resources

                                          Fundamentals of IBM Dependency Based Build
                                          Master IBM Dependency Based Build with this self-guided training, featuring hands-on labs and interactive content to streamline mainframe application management and modernization. Ideal for developers and system programmers, these resources enable proficiency in DBB and modern DevOps practices on z/OS.
                                          Z DevOps Talks
                                          Listen in as Chris Sayles discusses with Z DevOps experts how IBM is embracing open source technologies, making the mainframe more accessible and designing new and better ways of developing and operating for the cloud-native and veteran community.
                                          IBM Z DevOps Guide
                                          Read about how IBM Z® DevOps Acceleration Program helps organizations modernize mainframe development as agile DevOps practices are integrated. With resources to enable continuous integration, automated testing and collaboration across environments, the program accelerates innovation and boosts productivity on IBM Z systems.
                                          Take the next step

                                          Explore how IBM Dependency Based Build optimizes and automates dependency tracking and incremental builds, enhancing DevOps efficiency for z/OS development.
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