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IBM Dependency Based Build (DBB) is a utility used for building and managing mainframe applications on IBM z/OS systems. It provides a build framework that automates the build process, manages dependencies between source code modules, and generates an executable program or library.

DBB is a make-like utility that uses a dependency graph to track the relationships between source code files and their dependencies. It allows for incremental builds by only rebuilding the necessary components that have changed or are out of date.

DBB provides a configuration file format that defines the build process for the application. This configuration file specifies the source code files, the compiler options, and the dependencies between the source code files. It also allows for the customization of the build process through the use of pre- and post-build steps and the ability to specify build targets for specific components of the application.

DBB also provides a set of command-line tools for executing the build process and managing build artifacts. These tools include the ability to clean up old build artifacts, generate build reports, and manage build output directories.

Overall, IBM Dependency Based Build simplifies the build process for mainframe applications by automating the compilation and linking of source code modules and managing dependencies between them, allowing developers to focus on writing code rather than managing build processes.

How do we build Mainframe Application with IBM Dependency Based Build?

Compiling a mainframe application with IBM Dependency Based Build involves several steps, including setting up the build environment, defining the build process, and executing the build. Here is a high-level overview of the process:

1. Set up the build environment: This involves configuring the build tools and defining the necessary environment variables. The build tools typically include the IBM Dependency Based Build (DBB) utility, which is used to manage the build process, and the IBM Language Environment (LE), which provides the runtime environment for the application. You will also need to define environment variables such as the location of the DBB configuration file and the path to the source code.
2. Define the build process: The build process is defined in a DBB configuration file. This file specifies the source code files, the compiler options, and the dependencies between the source code files. You will need to define the necessary compile and link steps for the application.
3. Execute the build: Once the build environment is set up and the build process is defined, you can execute the build. This involves running the DBB utility with the appropriate command-line options to initiate the build process. DBB will automatically determine the build order based on the dependencies defined in the configuration file and will compile and link the application accordingly.

Here is a more detailed step-by-step guide for compiling a mainframe application with IBM Dependency Based Build:

Set up the build environment:

• Install the IBM Dependency Based Build (DBB) utility and the IBM Language Environment (LE) on your mainframe system.
• Define environment variables such as DBB_CONFIG_PATH (the path to the DBB configuration file) and LE_LOADLIBRARY (the path to the LE runtime library).
• Configure the build tools, such as the compiler and linker, as needed.

Define the build process:

• Create a DBB configuration file that defines the build process for your application. The configuration file should specify the source code files, the compiler options, and the dependencies between the source code files.
• Define the necessary compile and link steps for the application. You may need to include additional steps such as copying files to the runtime environment or running post-build scripts.

Execute the build:

• Run the DBB utility with the appropriate command-line options to initiate the build process. The command-line options should include the name of the configuration file and any additional options required by the build process.
• DBB will automatically determine the build order based on the dependencies defined in the configuration file and will compile and link the application accordingly.
• Review the build output and resolve any errors or warnings as needed.

Once the build process is complete, you should have a compiled and linked mainframe application ready for deployment to your production environment.

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