Introduction to the New Mainframe: IBM z/VSE Basics

An IBM Redbooks publication

Published 02 March 2016

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ISBN-10: 0738441406
ISBN-13: 9780738441405
IBM Form #: SG24-7436-01
(446 pages)

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Authors: Mike Ebbers, Wolfgang Bosch, Hans Joachim Ebert, Helmut Hellner, Jerry Johnston, Marco Kroll, Wilhelm Mild, Wayne O'Brien, Bill Ogden, Ingolf Salm, Joerg Schmidbauer, Martin Walbruehl

Abstract

This IBM® Redbooks® publication is based on the book Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/OS Basics, SG24-6366, which was produced by the International Technical Support Organization (ITSO), Poughkeepsie Center. It provides students of information systems technology with the background knowledge and skills necessary to begin using the basic facilities of a mainframe computer.

For optimal learning, students are assumed to have successfully completed an introductory course in computer system concepts, such as computer organization and architecture, operating systems, data management, or data communications. They should also have successfully completed courses in one or more programming languages, and be PC literate.

This textbook can also be used as a prerequisite for courses in advanced topics, or for internships and special studies. It is not intended to be a complete text covering all aspects of mainframe operation. It is also not a reference book that discusses every feature and option of the mainframe facilities.

Others who can benefit from this course include experienced data processing professionals who have worked with non-mainframe platforms, or who are familiar with some aspects of the mainframe but want to become knowledgeable with other facilities and benefits of the mainframe environment.

As we go through this course, we suggest that the instructor alternate between text, lecture, discussions, and hands-on exercises. Many of the exercises are cumulative, and are designed to show the student how to design and implement the topic presented. The instructor-led discussions and hands-on exercises are an integral part of the course, and can include topics not covered in this textbook.

In this course, we use simplified examples and focus mainly on basic system functions. Hands-on exercises are provided throughout the course to help students explore the mainframe style of computing. At the end of this course, you will be familiar with the following information:


  • Basic concepts of the mainframe, including its usage and architecture
  • Fundamentals of IBM z/VSE® (VSE), an IBM z™ Systems entry mainframe operating system (OS)
  • An understanding of mainframe workloads and the major middleware applications in use on mainframes today
  • The basis for subsequent course work in more advanced, specialized areas of z/VSE, such as system administration or application programming

Table of contents

Part 1. Introduction to IBM z/VSE and the mainframe environment
Chapter 1. Introduction to the new mainframe
Chapter 2. Mainframe hardware systems
Chapter 3. IBM z/VSE overview
Chapter 4. The Interactive Interface of IBM z/VSE
Chapter 5. Working with files
Chapter 6. Using job control language
Chapter 7. Batch processing and IBM VSE/POWER
Part 2. Application programming on IBM z/VSE
Chapter 8. Designing and developing applications for IBM z/VSE
Chapter 9. Using programming languages on IBM z/VSE
Chapter 10. Compiling and link-editing a program on IBM z/VSE
Part 3. Online workloads for IBM z/VSE
Chapter 11. Transaction management systems on IBM z/VSE
Chapter 12. Database management systems on IBM z/VSE
Chapter 13. IBM z/VSE connectors
Chapter 14. Messaging and queuing
Part 4. System programming on IBM z/VSE
Chapter 15. Overview of system programming
Chapter 16. Security on IBM z/VSE
Chapter 17. Network communications on IBM z/VSE
Chapter 18. Cryptographic support in IBM z/VSE
Appendix A. A brief look at IBM mainframe history
Appendix B. Utility programs
Appendix C. EBCDIC - 7-bit ASCII table
Appendix D. Programming experience
Appendix E. Back matter

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