Understanding Repositories
Repositories serve as containers that organize and store all project assets, including code, database objects, and documentation.
A repository is a visual and analytical representation of an IBM i library, showing all its components and how they interconnect.
Repositories bridge the gap between source-level detail and system-level understanding, transforming libraries into navigable, visualized structures that clearly display every component and its relationships.
Repositories support analysis, maintenance, and modernization by providing a complete view of system architecture.
Adding Libraries
The Source and Object libraries on which a repository is based can be added using the “Libraries” option.
Key Capabilities
Repositories provide both content visibility and relationship mapping, enabling users to:
- View the complete list of programs, modules, and database objects in the system.
- Understand inter-object relationships — such as who calls whom or which files a program uses.
- Trace variable usage and dependencies across applications.
- Explore graphical visualizations, like Call Charts .
By maintaining internal metadata, the repository allows a deep understanding of the application structure — crucial for impact analysis, refactoring, and modernization.
Repository Information
Each repository entry displays the following details:
- Repository – Unique name identifying the repository (e.g.,
DVEV10TST,NISHAREP1). - Description – Short explanation of the repository.
- Version – Indicates the current version (e.g.,
00.01.01). - Status – Displays whether the repository is Created, Building, Aborted, or in another state.
- Job – References the job that builds the repository.
- Start / End Date – Indicates when the repository build started and ended.
Repository-Level Controls
Each repository has several icons beside its row, providing management and build options:
- Copy – Creates a new version based on an existing repository.
- Edit – Modify the repository name, base library, or description.
- Delete – Remove the repository from the system.
- Libraries – View the list of IBM i libraries the repository is based on.
- Option List – Access additional configuration or analytical options.
- Exclusion List – Define items to exclude from processing.
- Build Logs – View detailed logs generated during the repository build.
- Build – Initiate the build process (parses source, maps variables, analyzes file fields, and procedures).
- Select – Open and focus on the selected repository for further actions.
Toolbar Options
At the top of the repository list, several global controls are available:
- Scroll to Bottom – Jump to the end of the repository list.
- Filter – Display only repositories matching specific criteria.
- Save Filter – Save current filter settings for later use.
- Create Excel – Export the repository list to an Excel file.
- Refresh – Reload the view to show recent updates.
- Add – Create and configure a new repository.
