Using Git on IBM i (with video review)

We’ve seen a surge of interest in Git version control on IBM i, so a recent video about Git caught my eye. 

The Git trend makes perfect sense as IBM i teams adopt languages such as PHP, Javascript, and Python to develop web user interfaces, APIs, and other functionality. That said, Git also supports the traditional IBM i language, RPG.

We use Git for most development projects. Git enables our clients to see exactly who did what, why it was done, and to compare older versions if necessary. For developers, Git lifts the word “documentation” out of the 4-letter word category…more or less.

Git can bring many other benefits to development teams. Because it’s both open source and widely used, its ecosystem includes extensions that add functionality such as:

• web interfaces such as Github, Bitbucket and GitLab, providing code review mechanisms and many other features
• remote access for authorized developers to manage code without VPN, etc. if using a cloud-based repository
• automated testing and approval processes
• compatibility with IBM i-based application life-cycle management packages
• integration with Integrated Development Environments (IDE) such as PhpStorm, Zend Studio, and RDi

The video below, recently published by Remain Software’s Wim Jongman, provides a balanced technical summary of Git on IBM i. While the video doesn’t cover the extra benefits that come with integration with Github, Bitbucket, Gitlab and so on, it’s a solid look at Git version control on IBM i. Just think of how much easier your life would be with an intelligent development environment in place.

P.S. If you’re considering Git or Github for better control over development and deployment, consider fast-tracking your implementation with our customer-proven Git training and configuration services.