Element

Enhanced Definition

In the context of mainframe Software Configuration Management (SCM) systems (e.g., CA Endevor, IBM z/OS Change Management), an **element** represents a managed component of an application or system. It is typically a version-controlled source code member, JCL procedure, copybook, load module, or other file type that undergoes a defined lifecycle of development, testing, and deployment. In the context of mainframe software configuration management (SCM) systems like CA Endevor or IBM z/OS Change Management, an **element** represents a single, version-controlled component of an application. It is the fundamental unit managed by the SCM for change control, versioning, and deployment, typically referring to source code, JCL, copybooks, or load modules.

Key Characteristics

- Version Control: Each element exists in multiple versions, allowing tracking of changes, rollback to previous states, and parallel development without overwriting work.
- Type Association: Elements are categorized by a Type (e.g., COBOL, JCL, COPYBOOK, LOADMODULE), which dictates specific processing rules, build steps (compilation, linking), and storage attributes.
- Lifecycle Management: Elements progress through defined stages (e.g., Development, Test, QA, Production) within an environment, with specific promotion/demotion rules and security controls.
- Component of a System: An element is a fundamental building block of an application, representing a single logical unit of code, data definition, or executable module.
- Audit Trail: SCM systems maintain a complete history of who changed what, when, and why for each element, ensuring accountability and traceability.
- Integrity and Concurrency: SCM tools ensure the integrity of elements, preventing unauthorized changes and managing concurrent updates through mechanisms like checkout/checkin.

Use Cases

- Managing COBOL Programs: A COBOL source program (.cbl member) is managed as an element, with different versions reflecting bug fixes, new features, or performance enhancements.
- Controlling JCL Procedures: Standard JCL procedures (PROCLIB members) used for batch jobs are managed as elements to ensure consistency, enforce standards, and control changes across environments.
- Version-controlling Copybooks: Shared COBOL copybooks (.cpy members) or Assembler macros are critical elements, ensuring all dependent programs use the correct, consistent data structures or definitions.
- Deploying Load Modules: Compiled and linked load modules (.load members) are often managed as elements, especially when promoting executables to production libraries after successful testing.
- Tracking REXX Execs and Utilities: System utilities or automation scripts written in REXX are managed as elements to control their evolution and deployment.

Related Concepts

An element is the core entity managed by a Software Configuration Management (SCM) system, which itself operates within a z/OS environment. It is often associated with a specific Type (e.g., COBOL, JCL), which defines the processors (compilers, link-editors) used to build or transform it. Elements are organized within environments and stages, defining their lifecycle path from development to production. The management of elements is crucial for change management, application lifecycle management (ALM), and maintaining the integrity of libraries (PDS/PDSE) on the mainframe.

Best Practices:

Define Granular Elements: Break down applications into logical, manageable elements (e.g., one COBOL program per element, one copybook per element) to facilitate independent development and versioning.
Standardize Element Naming: Implement clear and consistent naming conventions for elements to improve readability, searchability, and maintainability across teams and applications.
Leverage Element Types Effectively: Utilize SCM Types to automate build processes, enforce standards, and apply appropriate security controls based on the element's nature and required processing.