Accessing IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Go (Go on z/OS) is simple to install as well as to test out.
For starters both the PAX and SMP/E version offers the same compiler files and can be run in either a development or a test environment. The difference here is that the PAX edition is more hands-on and basically requires installing and managing the compiler yourself, whereas the SMP/E version is recommended for production as it’s easier to manage updates and fixes in addition to the optional paid IBM support. However, either option can be installed with the latest version. You may find links and images below that refer to Go 1.19 version, but the content follows the usual format for IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Go which can be expected in future versions.
PAX Edition
The PAX option is great for a quick setup. It can be downloaded and installed in a matter of minutes, and it is popular in UNIX environments including z/OS UNIX System Services.
To get the PAX edition, IBM does need some information to meet export control expectations and an account is needed. To set up your account you will need to fill out a form like the one below if you haven’t already.
A screenshot of the account creation form
As shown in the picture below, once you have logged in you can download the version of IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Go you are interested in.
PAX download description and button
The PAX file is usually downloaded onto your computer and uploaded to z/OS and unpaxed. The instructions for installing the PAX edition can be found in the IBM documentation. You can also get help from the Go on z/OS community forum on a best-effort basis, alternatively, there is a fee-based support option from IBM for the SMP/E formatted version of Go.
SMP/E
SMP/E is optimal for a production environment where updates and fixes need a control regime. ShopZ is the method for downloading the SMP/E version of Go and provides a streamlined process to acquire it. SMP/E also allows for incremental change, upgrade, and record-keeping among other services. There is a blog sharing the process for using the streamlined order process on ShopZ for Go on z/OS.
At the bottom of the Go on z/OS landing page, there is a collection of links that I’ve discussed here as well as links to other resources you can use to support your Go experience.
Useful Go links on the IBM Open Enterprise SDK for Go on z/OS
Bonus: IBM Z Xplore
There is another way to access the Go compiler on z/OS if you’re looking to explore, learn, or train. IBM Z Xplore provides a free opportunity to experiment and train on a zSystems environment as you progress through the learning challenges that include Go. With access to the Go compiler from the start, you can quickly start exploring Go and z/OS features.
This platform provides z/OS on the s390x architecture. It does not offer access to the internet, so experiments must be built entirely within the Z Xplore platform. The Z Xplore platform is also intended for learners, so it limits the usage of high-demand programs to ensure it remains a platform for learners and explorers. You can also share your progress on Z Xplore with badges that are awarded to you as you achieve milestones on the platform. Z Xplore offers challenges that suit a range of expertise use cases as you can see in the screenshot below.
A screenshot from Z Xplore showing some of the categories of challenges that are available.
You can create an account and start using Z Xplore here. Z Xplore will welcome you with activities that will help you oriented and set up.
Hopefully, this article helps you determine which IBM Open Enterprise SDK format is best for you and provides a collection of useful resources. Coupled with Z Xplore you can learn and train on z/OS as you progress in your production or testing journey.
If you are looking for ideas for Go on z/OS checkout this recording of the Z Xplore event: Go comes to IBM zOS that I participated in.