Mainframe

Mainframe Explained — Complete Beginner's Guide to Enterprise Computing

Learn what mainframes are, how IBM z/OS powers banking and airline systems, and why mainframes still handle 70% of global business data with 99.999% reliability.

Mainframe Explained — Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn what a mainframe is, how IBM z/OS powers banking and airline transactions, and why mainframes still handle 70% of global business data.

COBOL Explained — Beginner's Guide to Business Programming

Learn COBOL programming from scratch: the four DIVISIONs, data types, arithmetic operations, file handling, and compiling with GnuCOBOL for complete beginners.

JCL Explained — Beginner's Guide to Mainframe Job Control

Learn JCL basics: JOB, EXEC, and DD statements, dataset management, procedures, condition codes, and IBM mainframe batch processing for submitting COBOL programs.

CICS Transaction Processing — COBOL Programs, BMS Maps, Pseudo-Conversational Programming

Learn CICS transaction processing on IBM mainframes: CICS regions, EXEC CICS commands, BMS mapsets, TD queues, temporary storage queues, and pseudo-conversational programming with COMMAREA.

COBOL Programming: Beginner's Guide for Modern Developers

Learn COBOL programming: ID/ENVIRONMENT/DATA/PROCEDURE DIVISIONs, data types, arithmetic operations, file handling, and compiling with GnuCOBOL.

DB2 for z/OS — Tablespaces, Indexes, Buffer Pools, Stored Procedures and Query Optimization

Learn DB2 for z/OS: tablespaces, indexes, buffer pools, SQL queries, BIND parameters, IRLM deadlock detection, EXPLAIN plans, and stored procedures for mainframe databases.

JCL (Job Control Language): Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn JCL basics: JOB, EXEC, and DD statements, dataset management, procedures, condition codes, and utilities like IEBGENER and SORT for IBM mainframe batch processing.

VSAM — Virtual Storage Access Method Complete Guide

Learn what VSAM is, how its four file types work, and how to define, load, and query VSAM datasets using IDCAMS and COBOL on z/OS mainframes.

DB2 for z/OS — Tablespaces, Indexes, Buffer Pools, Stored Procedures & Query Optimization

Learn DB2 for z/OS: DDL, DML, DCL, tablespace types (simple, segmented, partitioned), indexes (clustering, non-clustering, partition), buffer pools (VPAR, Hiperpool), stored procedures, plan/package management (BIND, REBIND), deadlock detection (IRLM), EXPLAIN for query optimization, and DB2I.

IMS DB — Hierarchical Database Complete Guide

Learn what IMS DB is, how its hierarchical segment model works, and how to write DL/I calls in COBOL to access IMS databases on z/OS mainframes.

z/OS — IBM Mainframe Operating System Guide

Learn what z/OS is, how its architecture powers enterprise computing, and how to manage datasets, jobs, and security on IBM mainframe operating systems.

Mainframe Security — RACF, ACF2 & Top Secret

Learn how mainframe security works with RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret — the three main security products that protect 70% of the world business data.

Mainframe Modernization — Migration & Integration Guide

Learn mainframe modernization strategies including rehosting, refactoring, and hybrid cloud integration to migrate legacy workloads while minimizing risk.

REXX Programming — Mainframe Scripting Guide

Learn REXX programming for IBM mainframes: syntax, parsing, file I/O, and automation scripts for z/OS system administration and application glue logic.

ISPF & PDF — Interactive Dialog Environment Guide

Learn ISPF and PDF on z/OS: panel definitions, dialog flows, Edit macros, member lists, and building interactive mainframe applications for developers.

TSO/E — Time-Sharing Option Commands Guide

Learn TSO/E commands for IBM z/OS: logon procedures, dataset management, catalog navigation, REXX execution, and batch job submission from the mainframe terminal.

SMP/E — System Modification & Software Installation Guide

Learn SMP/E for IBM z/OS: installing, maintaining, and tracking system modifications, CSI zones, SYSMODS, and software lifecycle management on the mainframe.

z/OS UNIX System Services — POSIX on Mainframe Guide

Learn z/OS UNIX System Services (USS): POSIX-compliant shell, file systems, inter-process communication, and Linux interoperability on IBM mainframes.

IBM MQ on z/OS — Message Queueing & Integration Guide

Learn IBM MQ on z/OS: queue managers, message channels, CICS and IMS integration, distributed queueing, and enterprise messaging patterns for mainframe integration.

CICS Web Services & JSON APIs — Modern CICS Development Guide

Learn CICS Web Services: JSON API development, RESTful endpoints, container-based programming, and modernizing mainframe CICS applications for cloud integration.

IMS Transaction Manager (IMS TM/DC) Guide

Learn IMS Transaction Manager on z/OS: message processing regions, Fast Path, MPP and BMP message queues, IMS Connect, and high-volume transaction processing.

RACF — Resource Access Control Facility Guide

Learn RACF on z/OS: user administration, resource profiles, dataset security, group management, Kerberos integration, and mainframe security best practices.

Mainframe Networking — VTAM & TCP/IP on z/OS Guide

Learn mainframe networking on z/OS: VTAM, SNA, TCP/IP stack, OSA adapters, TN3270, Enterprise Extender, and network security for IBM mainframes.

DFSMS & HSM — Storage & Data Management Guide

Learn DFSMS and HSM on z/OS: storage groups, ACS routines, SMS classes, HSM migration and recall, hierarchical storage management, and data protection on mainframes.

Parallel Sysplex — Mainframe Clustering Guide

Learn Parallel Sysplex on IBM z/OS: coupling facility, structures, data sharing, sysplex failure management, and mainframe clustering for 99.999% availability.

WLM — Workload Manager & Resource Balancing Guide

Learn WLM on z/OS: service class definitions, classification rules, resource groups, goal-oriented workload management, and performance balancing for mainframe environments.

COBOL Advanced File Handling — VSAM, Indexed & Relative Files Guide

Learn advanced COBOL file handling: VSAM KSDS/ESDS/RRDS, indexed files, relative files, file status codes, error handling, and optimization for mainframe data processing.

Mainframe DevOps — CI/CD Pipeline for z/OS Guide

Learn Mainframe DevOps: Git-based CI/CD pipelines for z/OS, automated COBOL compilation, DBB (Dependency-Based Build), z/OSMF workflows, and Wazi Code for mainframe modernization.

ISPF Panels -- Custom Interactive Dialog Development

Learn to create and customize ISPF panels for interactive mainframe applications, including panel definition syntax, field validation, and menu design patterns.

ISPF Skeletons -- Template-Driven JCL Generation

Learn to build ISPF skeletons that generate dynamic JCL and data sets for streamlined mainframe job submission and templated output generation workflows.

ISPF Editing -- Efficient Mainframe File Editing

Learn to use ISPF edit commands and macros for efficient mainframe file editing, including line commands, prefix commands, and edit profiles configuration.

ISPF Browse -- Viewing Mainframe Datasets

Learn to navigate and view mainframe datasets using ISPF browse mode, including scroll commands, find operations, and member listing display options available.

ISPF Option 3.4 -- Dataset List Management

Learn to use ISPF option 3.4 for dataset list operations including filtering, sorting, batch processing, and member management in the mainframe environment.

TSO Commands -- Mainframe Interactive Command Reference

Learn to use Time Sharing Option commands for mainframe interaction including dataset allocation, catalog management, and system communication functions.

TSO CLIST -- Mainframe Scripting and Automation

Learn to write and execute TSO CLIST procedures for automating mainframe tasks with variables, control flow, and interactive command processing operations.

JES2 vs JES3 -- Job Entry Subsystem Comparison

Learn the differences and operational features of JES2 and JES3 job entry subsystems for batch job processing, output management, and spool handling operations.

JES Job Queues -- Batch Job Lifecycle Management

Learn to manage JES job queues including input, execution, output, and hold queues for complete batch job lifecycle control in z/OS mainframe systems.

JES Output -- Job Output Retrieval and Management

Learn to retrieve and manage JES job output including SYSOUT, JESYSMSG, output groups, and purge operations in z/OS mainframe batch processing environments.

JES Initialization Process -- Configuration and Startup

Learn how the JES initialization process configures job processing parameters, checkpoint datasets, and spool volume definitions in mainframe systems.

PROCLIB -- JCL Procedure Library Management

Learn to manage PROCLIB datasets containing JCL procedures for cataloged and instream procedure execution and routine maintenance in z/OS mainframe systems.

START Command -- System Procedure and Task Initiation

Learn to start and manage system procedures and started tasks using the START command with PARM parameters and operator console control in z/OS mainframe.

PARMLIB -- z/OS System Parameter Library Configuration

Learn to configure PARMLIB datasets that define system parameters for z/OS initialization, including IEASYSxx and LOADxx member usage and configuration syntax.

TSO REXX -- Interactive Scripting in Mainframe

Learn to execute REXX scripts from TSO/E including program invocation, argument passing, and interactive dialog management in the mainframe environment.

REXX Programming -- Mainframe Scripting Language

Learn REXX programming fundamentals including variables, control structures, built-in functions, and system interface capabilities on mainframe platforms.

REXX Parsing -- Advanced String and Data Parsing

Learn advanced REXX parsing techniques including template parsing, positional parsing, and string manipulation for mainframe data processing automation tasks.

REXX Dataset I/O -- Mainframe File Operations

Learn to read, write, and manipulate mainframe datasets using REXX EXECIO command for sequential and partitioned dataset access and file processing operations.

z/OS UNIX Shell -- USS Command Line Environment

Learn to use the z/OS UNIX shell environment including shell scripts, command-line utilities, and file system navigation for mainframe USS operations.

OMVS -- Accessing z/OS UNIX System Services

Learn to configure and use the OMVS command to access z/OS UNIX System Services shell, execute UNIX commands, and manage USS interactive processes there.

BPXBATCH and BPXMAIN -- USS Program Execution in Batch

Learn to use BPXBATCH and BPXMAIN utilities to execute UNIX System Services programs and shell scripts from batch JCL in the z/OS mainframe environment.

RACF Basics -- Mainframe Security Administration

Learn RACF fundamentals including user profiles, resource classes, access authorities, and security administration commands for the z/OS mainframe platform.

RACF Resource Classes -- Security Classification Guide

Learn RACF resource class definitions including FACILITY, DATASET, PROGRAM, and general resource classes for implementing mainframe security controls.

RACF PERMIT -- Granting and Revoking Access Authorities

Learn to grant and revoke RACF permits for dataset, program, and general resource access using PERMIT, RLIST, and RALTER security administration commands.

RACF CONNECT -- User-Group Administration

Learn to connect users to RACF groups using the CONNECT command including authority levels, group ownership, and universal access specification parameters.

Top Secret -- CA Mainframe Security Management

Learn CA Top Secret security administration including user profiles, resource rules, access control, and auditing features for z/OS mainframe systems.

ACF2 -- CA Mainframe Access Control Facility

Learn ACF2 security management including logonid records, resource rules, access control expressions, and compliance reporting for mainframe environments.

z/OS Security -- System Authorization Facility Guide

Learn z/OS security architecture including security labels, system authorization facility (SAF), integrity controls, and multi-level security in mainframe.

SMF Records -- System Management Facilities Data

Learn SMF record types and structures for mainframe system monitoring including job accounting, I/O statistics, and performance measurement data collection.

SMF Data Collection -- Recording and Reporting

Learn to collect, format, and analyze SMF data using IFASMFDP, SMFPRINT, and reporting tools for comprehensive mainframe system management performance analysis.

SMF Performance Analysis -- Mainframe Tuning

Learn to analyze SMF performance data including CPU usage, I/O response times, paging activity, and workload statistics for mainframe performance tuning tasks.

SYSLOG and OPERLOG -- Mainframe Log Monitoring

Learn to monitor and analyze SYSLOG and OPERLOG messages for mainframe system troubleshooting, operational awareness, and problem determination processes.

z/OS Console Commands -- System Control Reference

Learn to use z/OS master console commands for system control including DISPLAY, MODIFY, CANCEL, MONITOR, and SET operator command operations in mainframe.

SDSF Console -- Interactive System Command Interface

Learn to use SDSF console interface for issuing z/OS system commands, viewing responses, and managing system operations interactively on mainframe environments.

SDSF Jobs -- Batch Job Monitoring and Control

Learn to manage batch jobs using SDSF including job submission, monitoring, cancellation, output retrieval, and job queue filtering on mainframe systems.

SDSF Output -- Job Output Viewing and Management

Learn to view, print, and manage job output datasets using SDSF including SYSOUT browsing, output groups, and job output purging in mainframe systems.

SDSF Logs -- System Log Viewing and Analysis

Learn to use SDSF for viewing system logs, job logs, and operational history including log filtering, search operations, and log analysis in mainframe.

SDSF Datasets -- Dataset Browsing and Management

Learn to browse, edit, and manage datasets using SDSF including dataset listing, member operations, catalog search, and dataset information display functions.

z/OS UNIX System Services -- Environment Overview

Learn to navigate the z/OS UNIX System Services environment including directories, file permissions, and essential USS command-line tools and utilities.

z/OS UNIX Files -- USS File System Management

Learn to manage files in z/OS UNIX System Services including text files, binary files, symbolic links, permissions, and USS file system navigation commands.

z/OS USS SSH -- Secure Shell Access to Mainframe

Learn to connect to z/OS UNIX System Services using SSH including key-based authentication, file transfer, and remote command execution on mainframe systems.

z/OS Initialization -- IPL and System Startup Guide

Learn the z/OS initialization process including IPL stages, master scheduler startup, address space creation, and system parameter loading sequence steps.

IEASYSxx -- z/OS System Parameter Configuration

Learn to configure IEASYSxx parmlib members for z/OS system parameters including CPU, storage, I/O, and subsystem definition specifications in mainframe.

z/OS Nucleus and LPA -- System Link Pack Area

Learn to manage z/OS nucleus and link pack area configuration including LPA, LNKLST, and NUCLEUS dataset setup for optimized system performance on mainframe.

LNKLST -- z/OS System Link List Configuration

Learn to configure and manage z/OS LNKLST datasets for system link list including program search order, LPA, and APF authorization integration settings.

APF Authorization -- z/OS Authorized Program Facility

Learn to manage APF-authorized datasets and libraries for z/OS system security including APF list configuration, verification, and authorized libraries.

SYSGEN -- z/OS System Generation Process

Learn the z/OS system generation process including stage one and two stages, required assembly macros, and configuration parameter specification procedures.

IPL Process -- z/OS Initial Program Load Guide

Learn the z/OS initial program load process including LOADxx, IEASYSxx, and the complete startup sequence from hardware initialization to system ready.

PARMLIB Members -- Creating and Maintaining Parameters

Learn to create and maintain SYS1.PARMLIB members for z/OS system configuration including naming conventions, member types, and parameter syntax rules.

Master Scheduler -- z/OS System Initialization and Control

Learn the role and configuration of the z/OS master scheduler including initialization process, command processing, and address space creation in mainframe.

z/OS Workload Scheduling -- Dispatching and Priorities

Learn z/OS workload scheduling concepts including dispatching priorities, service definitions, enclave management, and service class assignment rules.

Workload Manager -- WLM Configuration and Management

Learn IBM Workload Manager configuration including service policies, classification rules, and goal-oriented management for z/OS mainframe environments.

WLM Service Class -- Defining Performance Goals

Learn to define and manage WLM service classes including execution velocity goals, response time targets, and discretionary attribute configuration options.

WLM Report Class -- Workload Monitoring and Reporting

Learn to configure WLM report classes for monitoring workload performance including period definitions, aggregation settings, and analysis reporting features.

WLM Service Policy -- Goal-Oriented Workload Management

Learn to create and activate WLM service policies for workload management including policy switching, evaluation periods, and performance reporting features.