What is Git, and Why Should Mainframe Developers Care About Distributed Version Control?
If you've been working with legacy SCM (Software Configurationl Management) tools for years, the idea of switching to something like Git might seem unrealistic. But if you're a mainframe developer looking for faster, more flexible ways to manage code and collaborate with your team, it's time to pay attention to Git and the benefits of distributed version control systems. Let’s break it down.
Still Using the Old SCM Tools on Mainframes?
If you're a mainframe developer, you're probably familiar with products like Endevor, ChangeMan, or SCLM. You’ve likely grown accustomed to their centralized, linear workflow, often paired with the Waterfall methodology. Sure, it works, but the world of software development has evolved significantly. Modern development focuses on parallel workflows, team collaboration, and continuous integration, often driven by Agile methodology and DevOps practices.
While mainframes have often stuck with traditional SCM systems, Git has become a widely adopted version control system for good reason. It empowers teams to work more efficiently, handle complex branching strategies, and offers a more visual approach to versioning. But what exactly makes Git so different?
Why Distributed Version Control?
First, let’s look at how a distributed version control system like Git differs from the centralized systems typical of legacy SCM products:
Git gives every developer a full, safe copy of the codebase
- Everyone Has a Copy of the Code: In a centralized system, the code lives on a single server—usually the mainframe—and developers make changes directly to that copy. In Git, however, everyone has their own complete copy of the codebase on their machine, including all its history. This makes it safe to make changes locally, with the added benefit of easy recovery from mistakes since you're not altering the shared code directly.
- Branching and Merging: Git makes branching easy, allowing developers to create new branches for every feature or bug fix. Developers can work safely in these separate branches, and once satisfied, Git’s powerful merging capabilities allow the code to be integrated into the shared codebase without disrupting other developers.
- Parallel Development: In the legacy SCM model, teams often need to wait for others or carefully coordinate changes. With Git, multiple developers can work on different branches simultaneously, enabling smoother collaboration. This is especially useful for large mainframe projects with many moving parts.
The Benefits of Git for Mainframe Developers
Git can work incredibly well for mainframe development, with several key benefits:
- Improved Team Collaboration: Distributed version control allows every team member to contribute without interfering with others. Developers clone the repository, work locally, and push their changes when ready. This workflow is faster and safer than that of traditional SCM products.
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Better Code Management: Git’s visual approach makes managing complex codebases more effective. With easy tracking of what was changed, where, and by whom, Git makes managing legacy code much simpler—especially when modifications must be handled with care.Git powers modern workflows and seamless DevOps integration
- Seamless Integration with DevOps and CI/CD: For mainframe developers embracing DevOps, Kobee is a critical tool for continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD). Git integrates smoothly with Kobee, enabling automated builds, tests, and deployments every time a change is made to the codebase.
Make Git Work on the Mainframe with Kobee
Convinced that Git paired with Kobee can help modernize your mainframe development? With Git as your distributed version control system and Kobee as the CI/CD automation solution, you’ll drastically improve the quality of your mainframe applications while benefiting from faster workflows and better collaboration.
Now’s the time to make the switch from your legacy SCM systems to the powerful combination of Git and Kobee.
About the author
Hello, my name is René De Vleeschauwer.
Throughout my career, I have been actively engaged in developing enterprise software. For the past 18 years, I have led the development of Kobee, an open CI/CD and DevOps framework that has been highly regarded in regulated enterprises.
Do you have any questions? Just ask me!