The Primary Build Execution Monitor

NOTE For information about the templates and template symbols referred to below, see the Developer’s API Reference.

On mainframe platforms the Primary Batch Execution Monitor (PBEM) is a utility that controls, monitors, and reports results for builds that are initiated by Dimensions Build. On distributed platforms the PBEM run scripts for builds that are initiated by Dimensions Build. When running in a distributed environment the PBEM uses the templater to synchronously start sub tasks.

The PBEM receives input data from Dimensions Build in XML format in a Build Request Definition (BRD) file. The BRD file contains global information and a list of build steps to be executed. The BRD file is arranged as a symbol table, and a collection of subsymbol tables for each build step. The BRD initiates, and communicates with, sub tasks to execute the build steps. Steps may have dependencies between them; the PBEM is responsible for managing the step dependency analysis and only starts steps when their dependent steps have completed.

The PBEM sends output data to the build server, via a SOAP utility, when:

- Processing starts.

- A step is cancelled.

- A generalized build step ends.

- A build completes.

The generalized PBEM flow is as follows:

- Reads the BRD file.

- Constructs scripts for executing each individual step.

- Examines targets to decide whether to skip steps based on source dependency analysis.

- Controls the execution of steps and decides whether to execute steps synchronously or asynchronously.

- Coordinates the return of results to the build server.

In normal operations the PBEM is initiated by REXEC processing in the Dimensions listener service, however you can also run it as a stand alone application.

Running the PBEM

Dimensions Configuration Symbols