IBM Dependency Based Build
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.
IBM Dependency Based Build is 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.
Benefits
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Resources
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.
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.
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.