OpenMRS, designed as a patient-centered medical record system, revolutionizes how healthcare providers manage patient data in resource-constrained settings. Building and deploying OpenMRS can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. This guide will provide you with everything you need to get OpenMRS up and running.

Table of Contents

• Build
• Docker Build
• Navigating the Repository
• Software Development Kit
• Extending OpenMRS with Modules
• Documentation
• Contributing
• Issues
• Community
• Support
• License

Build

Prerequisites

Before diving into the build, ensure you have the necessary prerequisites:

• Java: OpenMRS functions on Java. Install JDK version 8 or higher.
• Maven: This build tool is essential. Make sure to configure Maven to use the correct JDK via mvn -version.
• Git: Install Git to clone the OpenMRS repository with the command git clone https://github.com/openmrs/openmrs-core.git.

Build Command

Once prerequisites are complete, run the following command:

cd openmrs-core
mvn clean package

This will compile the OpenMRS application and generate a webapp/target/openmrs.war file for deployment.

Deploy

For development, deploy the application in Jetty using:

cd openmrs-core/webapp
mvn jetty:run

Access OpenMRS at localhost:8080/openmrs.

Docker Build

For those familiar with Docker, building OpenMRS in a container is a smooth process:

Start by executing:

docker-compose build

To build a production version:

docker-compose -f docker-compose.yml build

Then run it with:

docker-compose -f docker-compose.yml up

For debugging, connect to port 8000 in your IDE, although code changes will require a full restart of the container.

Navigating the Repository

Understanding the project structure is crucial. Here’s how it is organized:

• api: Contains Java and resource files for the API.
• tools: Meta code used during compilation and testing.
• web: Java and resource files for the web application.
• webapp: Files for building the WAR file.
• pom.xml: The main Maven configuration file for packaging.

Software Development Kit

You can enhance your development process with the OpenMRS SDK.

Extending OpenMRS with Modules

OpenMRS follows a modular architecture for extensibility. Before creating a new module, check the OpenMRS Module Repository to see if existing modules suit your needs.

Documentation

Developer Guides

Resources to aid new contributors:

• Getting Started as a Developer
• How to Configure Your IDE
• How to Make a Pull Request

Wiki

For detailed installation and contribution guides, refer to the OpenMRS Wiki.

Website

Learn more about OpenMRS as an organization by visiting OpenMRS Website.

Contributing

Contributions are vital for OpenMRS. Follow the contributing guidelines to get started. Here are a few areas you can contribute:

• Code: Work on an introductory issue.
• Code Reviews: Help review pull requests.
• Translation: Assist with multilingual support via Transifex.

Issues

If you encounter any bugs or issues, please report them on the OpenMRS Issues Page.

Community

Engage with the OpenMRS community through various platforms like OpenMRS Talk and OpenMRS IRC.

Support

Need help? One great place to start is the OpenMRS Talk forum.

License

OpenMRS is licensed under MPL 2.0 w HD.

Troubleshooting

While building and deploying OpenMRS, you may encounter some issues. Here’s how you can troubleshoot:

• Java Compatibility: Ensure that the correct Java JDK version is installed and configured properly.
• Maven Issues: Check your Maven settings if the build fails. Use the command mvn -version to verify Maven is pointing to the correct Java JDK.
• Deployment Errors: If you face issues deploying the application, look carefully at the console output for errors and warnings.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.