Software requirements for Zowe CLI plug-ins

Before you use Zowe™ CLI plug-ins, complete the following steps:

Important! You can perform the required configurations for the plug-ins that you want to use before or after you install the plug-ins. However, if you do not perform the required configurations, the plug-ins will not function as designed.

Plug-in	Required Configurations
IBM CICS Plug-in for Zowe CLI	Ensure that IBM CICS Transaction Server v5.2 or later is installed and running in your mainframe environment IBM CICS Management Client Interface (CMCI) is configured and running in your CICS region.
IBM Db2 Database Plug-in for Zowe CLI	Download and prepare the ODBC driver (required for only package installations) and address the licensing requirements. Perform this task before you install the plug-in. (MacOS) Download and Install Xcode.
IBM z/OS FTP Plug-in for Zowe CLI	Ensure that z/OS FTP service is enabled and configured with JESINTERFACELEVEL = 2. FTP over SSL is recommended.
IBM MQ Plug-in for Zowe CLI	Ensure that IBM® MQ™ v9.1.0 or later is installed and running in your mainframe environment. Please read this blog for more information: Exposing the MQ REST API via the Zowe API Mediation Layer
Visual Studio Code Extension for Zowe	Node.js V8.0 or later Access to z/OSMF; at least one profile is configured Configure TSO/E address space services, z/OS data set, file REST interface, and z/OS jobs REST interface. For more information, see z/OS Requirements.
IBM IMS Plug-in for Zowe CLI DEPRECATED	As of Zowe v2.15, the IBM IMS Plug-in has been deprecated. No additional security updates, bug fixes, or enhancements are expected. Ensure that IBM® IMS™ v14.1.0 or later is installed and running in your mainframe environment. Configure IBM® IMS™ Connect. Configure IBM IMS Operations APIs to enable communication between the CLI and the IMS instance.

Important! You can perform the required configurations for the plug-ins that you want to use before or after you install the plug-ins. However, if you do not perform the required configurations, the plug-ins will not function as designed.