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Introducing IBM i Modernization Engine for Lifecycle Integration - Merlin

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Published on 07 August 2025

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ISBN-10: 0738462209
ISBN-13: 9780738462202
IBM Form #: SG24-8583-00

Authors: Henry Vo, Tim Simon, Marcelo Avalos Del Carpio, Rohit Chauhan, Nicolae Chirea, Ravisankar Pandian, Anil Patil and Marius le Roux

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    Abstract

    As part of the IBM i modernization initiative, IBM i Merlin (Modernization Engine for Life Cycle Integration) offers a fully integrated and supported suite of tools from IBM. MERLIN enables seamless integration into CI/CD pipelines and provides powerful code modernization capabilities, including fixed-to-free RPG conversion, native Git-based source control, and application impact analysisÑempowering developers with modern tools at their fingertips.

    This IBM Redbook serves as a comprehensive guide to Merlin, IBM's next-generation development and DevOps platform for IBM i. It details how Merlin leverages modern technologies such as Git, Jenkins, and a browser-based Visual Studio Code IDE, all within a containerized OpenShift environment. These integrations support source control, automated build and deployment pipelines, and streamlined modernization of legacy RPG applications.

    The book thoroughly explores Merlin's architecture, installation process, and strategies for migrating from traditional workflows to Git-based DevOps. It provides practical guidance for both users and administrators, along with real-world use cases that demonstrate improvements in developer productivity, collaboration, and application modernization.

    Additionally, it highlights Merlin's integration with ARCAD tools for full lifecycle management and its support for both cloud and hybrid environmentsÑenabling organizations to adopt agile, scalable, and standardized IBM i development practices.

    Targeted at IT professionals and planners, this guide is especially valuable for those integrating Merlin with tools like Jenkins, Git, and various IDEs via plugin support. It complements IBM's official documentation and aligns with the educational resources provided by IBM Garage™ for Systems Technical Education.

    Table of Contents

    Chapter 1. Introduction to IBM i Merlin

    Chapter 2. Implementing Merlin

    Chapter 3. Merlin as a Service

    Chapter 4. Migration to Merlin

    Chapter 5. User Guide for Merlin

    Chapter 6. Administration functions

    Chapter 7. Managing OpenShift

    Chapter 8. MERLIN step by step installation

    Chapter 9. Modernizing IBM i Development and Enhancing Productivity with Merlin

    Appendix A. Modernizing legacy IBM i applications with Merlin Ð A case study based on System/36

    Appendix B. Helpful Terms