Setting up a server

This topic describes how to set up a server to use in a “Hello World" exercise to verify that the build system is set up properly.

Creating a server authentication

Rational Build Forge uses a server authentication (login name and password) to connect to a server with an agent installed.

About this task

You must create a server authentication for a server before you define that server as a resource for Rational Build Forge to use. The privileges associated with the login name and password determine the privileges that the Rational Build Forge projects use when they run on the server.

Procedure

  1. In the left panel of Rational Build Forge, click Servers > Server Auth.

    The Management Console displays a blank Server Authentication Details panel at the bottom.

  2. Click Add Server Authentication.
  3. In Name, enter a name for the authentication. Use the login name for the authentication name.
  4. In Login, specify a login name for an account on the server.
    Note: If the login name is from a domain user, include the domain in this field. For example, type: MYDOMAIN/joeuser.
  5. In Password, type the password.
  6. In Verified, retype the password.
  7. Click Save Server Authentication.

Results

The new server authentication is displayed in the top panel and is available to use when you define a server.

Creating a server

A server in the Management Console represents a host where you can run projects or steps.

Procedure

  1. In the left panel of Rational Build Forge, click Servers.
  2. Click Add Server.
  3. Provide the server details.
    Screen image shows the New Server details displayed when you click Add Server
    1. Name: Give the server the name HelloWorldServer. You will use this same name later when you define a selector.
    2. Path: Specify a directory that the server uses when it creates project and job directories, such as C:\buildforgeprojects. The system uses this path value as a starting point when it creates the build directory.
      Tip: The system does not create the server path. The path must exist before a build attempts to access the server. If the path does not exist, the build fails.
    3. Host: Provide the host name for a physical computer that is running the agent. Use the value localhost if you are defining the Management Console computer as a server. (The agent must also be installed on the Management Console.)
      Note: Do not precede the host name with a protocol. For example, do not use http://.
    4. Authentication: Select the server authentication to use with this server.
    5. Leave the other fields at their default values.
  4. Click Save. Your new server is displayed in the server list at the top of the content panel.
  5. To verify that you have correctly configured the server, select your server in the list and then click Test Connection.

    The system reports errors if it cannot communicate with the server. If you receive an error, ensure the agent is running on the server.

Creating a selector

Selectors determine the server on which to run a project or step.

About this task

Create a selector so that the HelloWorld project can determine where to complete its steps.

Procedure

  1. In the left panel of Rational Build Forge, click Servers > Selectors.
  2. Click Add Selector.
  3. In Name, type HelloWorldSelector.
  4. Click Save. The bottom portion of the panel changes so you can define the selector property that determines which servers to select.
  5. Set the server on which to run using the server name specified in Creating a server. With Name set to BF_NAME and Operator set to EQ (the defaults), in Value, type HelloWorldServer.
  6. Click Save.

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