FAQ: Zowe and components
FAQ: Zowe and components
Check out the following FAQs to learn more about the purpose and function of Zowe™.
Zowe FAQ
What is Zowe?
Zowe is an open source project within the Open Mainframe Project that is part of The Linux Foundation. The Zowe project provides modern software interfaces on IBM z/OS to address the needs of a variety of modern users. These interfaces include a new web graphical user interface, a script-able command-line interface, extensions to existing REST APIs, and new REST APIs on z/OS.
Who is the target audience for using Zowe?
Zowe technology can be used by a variety of mainframe IT and non-IT professionals. The target audience is primarily application developers and system programmers, but the Zowe Application Framework is the basis for developing web browser interactions with z/OS that can be used by anyone.
What language is Zowe written in?
Zowe consists of several components. The primary languages are Java and JavaScript. Zowe CLI and Desktop are written in TypeScript. ZSS is written in C, while the cross memory server is written in metal C.
What is the licensing for Zowe?
Zowe source code is licensed under EPL2.0. For license text click here and for additional information click here.
In the simplest terms (taken from the FAQs above) - "...if you have modified EPL-2.0 licensed source code and you distribute that code or binaries built from that code outside your company, you must make the source code available under the EPL-2.0."
Why is Zowe licensed using EPL2.0?
The Open Mainframe Project wants to encourage adoption and innovation, and also let the community share new source code across the Zowe ecosystem. The open source code can be used by anyone, provided that they adhere to the licensing terms.
What are some examples of how Zowe technology might be used by z/OS products and applications?
The Zowe Desktop (web user interface) can be used in many ways, such as to provide custom graphical dashboards that monitor data for z/OS products and applications.
Zowe CLI can also be used in many ways, such as for simple job submission, data set manipulation, or for writing complex scripts for use in mainframe-based DevOps pipelines.
The increased capabilities of RESTful APIs on z/OS allows APIs to be used in programmable ways to interact with z/OS services.
What is the best way to get started with Zowe?
Zowe provides a convenience build that includes the components released-to-date, as well as IP being considered for contribution, in an easy to install package on Zowe.org. The convenience build can be easily installed and the Zowe capabilities seen in action.
To install the complete Zowe solution, see Installing Zowe.
To get up and running with the Zowe CLI component quickly, see Zowe CLI quick start.
What are the prerequisites for Zowe?
Prerequisites vary by component used, but in most cases the primary prerequisites are Java and NodeJS on z/OS and the z/OS Management Facility enabled and configured. For a complete list of software requirements listed by component, see System requirements for z/OS components and System requirements for Zowe CLI.
What's the difference between using Zowe with or without Docker?
Technical PreviewDocker is a download option for Zowe that allows you to run certain Zowe server components outside of z/OS. The Docker image contains the Zowe components that do not have the requirement of having to run on z/OS: The App server, API Mediation Layer, and the USS/MVS/JES Explorers.
Configurating components with Docker is similar to the procedures you would follow without Docker, however tasks such as installation and running with Docker are a bit different, as these tasks become Linux oriented, rather than utilizing Jobs and STCs.
NOTE: z/OS is still required when using the Docker image. Depending on which components of Zowe you use, you'll still need to set up z/OS Management Facility as well as Zowe's ZSS and Cross memory servers.
Is the Zowe CLI packaged within the Zowe Docker download?
Technical PreviewAt this time, the Docker image referred to in this documentation contains only Zowe server components. It is possible to make a Docker image that contains the Zowe CLI, so additional Zowe content, such as the CLI, may have Docker as a distribution option later.
If you are interested in improvements such as this one, please be sure to express that interest to the Zowe community!
Does ZOWE support z/OS ZIIP processors?
Only the parts of Zowe that involve Java code are ZIIP enabled. The API Mediation Layer composed of the API Gateway, Discovery and Catalog servers along with any Java-based services that work with them such as the Jobs and Datasets servers are ZIIP enabled. Also, the CLI and VSCode Explorer make large use of z/OSMF, which is Java so they are ZIIP enabled as well. More details on portions of Zowe which are Java (ZIIP) enabled can be found here.
This leaves C and NodeJS code which are not ZIIP enabled, BUT, we have a tech preview available currently that allows execution of Java as well as NodeJS code, on Linux or zLinux via Docker. With the tech preview, only the C code remains on z/OS, which is not ZIIP enabled.
How is access security managed on z/OS?
Zowe components use typical z/OS System authorization facility (SAF) calls for security.
How is access to the Zowe open source managed?
The source code for Zowe is maintained on an Open Mainframe Project GitHub server. Everyone has read access. "Committers" on the project have authority to alter the source code to make fixes or enhancements. A list of Committers is documented in Committers to the Zowe project.
How do I get involved in the open source development?
The best way to get started is to join a Zowe Slack channel and/or email distribution list and begin learning about the current capabilities, then contribute to future development.
For more information about emailing lists, community calendar, meeting minutes, and more, see the Zowe Community GitHub repo.
For information and tutorials about extending Zowe with a new plug-in or application, see Extending on Zowe Docs.
When will Zowe be completed?
Zowe will continue to evolve in the coming years based on new ideas and new contributions from a growing community.