iRulesLX are scripts that accomplish the same task but let you develop in node.js. That includes NetOps, as evidenced by the availability of an Eclipse plug-in that supports development and deployment of both iRules and iRulesLX, F5 data path scripting languages.Ī quick overview/refresher on both: iRules are event-driven TCL scripts that execute on the BIG-IP as part of the request/response flow. Eclipse supports not only the broadest range of languages but also smoothly integrates toolsets that expand its reach beyond its humble beginnings as a code editor. So do millions of other developers, which is one of the reasons the open source project has grown so dramatically since its inception. When I do (like when I’m working on a Minecraft mod) I always turn to Eclipse.

To be fair, though, I don’t develop professionally anymore so I don’t generally need all the capabilities of a fully-functional IDE. But it’s fast, I know how to get around in it and best of all, it isn’t emacs. As a developer, my favorite editor for writing code is vim. Make sure the BIG-IP you’re targeting is running at least v12.1 (I used v12.1.3.3)Ĭonfession time.I use Eclipse Oxygen as it better supported tools and technologies applicable to Super-NetOps.You can download and install the F5 Eclipse Plugin on Github right here.

Download eclipse oxygen