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Understanding Repositories

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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:

  1. Copy – Creates a new version based on an existing repository.
  2. Edit – Modify the repository name, base library, or description.
  3. Delete – Remove the repository from the system.
  4. Libraries – View the list of IBM i libraries the repository is based on.
  5. Option List – Access additional configuration or analytical options.
  6. Exclusion List – Define items to exclude from processing.
  7. Build Logs – View detailed logs generated during the repository build.
  8. Build – Initiate the build process (parses source, maps variables, analyzes file fields, and procedures).
  9. 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:

  1. Scroll to Bottom – Jump to the end of the repository list.
  2. Filter – Display only repositories matching specific criteria.
  3. Save Filter – Save current filter settings for later use.
  4. Create Excel – Export the repository list to an Excel file.
  5. Refresh – Reload the view to show recent updates.
  6. Add – Create and configure a new repository.