Technologies / Infrastructure

z/OS JCL and Utilities

This course is designed to teach you how to use the z/OS Journal of Job Control Language (JCL) and selected z/OS utilities in an online batch environment. Both Storage Management Subsystem (SMS) and non-SMS JCL are discussed. Laboratory exercises on machines supplement the lecture material.

Issues

Encoding basic JCL instructions, using proper syntax and coding rules, including JCL to:

Creation of new data sets

Referencing existing data sets
Testing conditional code
IF/THEN/ELSE/ENDIF constructions
Generating data groups
Output routing
JCL enhancements introduced in various versions of Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS), OS/390 and z/OS
Identify storage management subsystem requirements
Coding of instream and catalogued procedures
Using symbolic parameters in procedures
Coding of procedure overrides and additions super
Use of selected utilities
Describing tape processing equipment
Encoding of sort and merge instructions and related JCL instructions
Recognizing and resolving common abnormal endings (ABEND)

Who is this training for?

This basic course is designed for people who want to use z/OS JCL and tools

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of IS technology.
z/OS concepts and how these systems support Enterprise servers.

Training program

Introduction to JCL — role of JCL in the z/OS environment, relationship with JES (Job Entry Subsystem), batch job processing flow
JCL syntax and coding rules — statement format, columns, continuation, comments, special characters
JOB statement — parameters (CLASS, MSGCLASS, MSGLEVEL, NOTIFY, TIME, REGION), job control
EXEC statement — invoking programs and procedures, parameters PARM, PGM, PROC, parameter passing
DD statement — fundamentals — defining data sets, parameters DISP, DSN, UNIT, SPACE, DCB
Laboratory exercises: coding basic JCL statements, submitting jobs, result analysis

Creating new data sets — sequential, partitioned (PDS/PDSE), VSAM, allocation parameters (SPACE, BLKSIZE, LRECL, RECFM)
Referencing existing data sets — DISP parameter (status, normal disposition, abnormal disposition), cataloging
Storage Management Subsystem (SMS) — management classes (DATACLAS, MGMTCLAS, STORCLAS), automatic data management
Generation data groups (GDG) — creating, referencing, generation management, GDG Base parameters
Output routing — SYSOUT parameter, output classes, printing, JES output control
Laboratory exercises: creating and managing data sets, SMS configuration, working with GDG

Conditional code testing — COND parameter, return codes, conditional step execution
IF/THEN/ELSE/ENDIF constructs — syntax, nesting, comparing return codes, ABEND handling
JCL enhancements in MVS, OS/390 and z/OS versions — overview of new functions and parameters
Data set concatenation — connecting multiple DDs in one logical unit, concatenation principles
Temporary data sets — creating and using, passing between steps, &&dsname
Laboratory exercises: implementing conditional logic, IF/THEN/ELSE, scenario testing

Instream procedures — defining procedures within the JCL stream, invoking, limitations
Cataloged procedures — creating, storing, invoking, procedure libraries (PROCLIB)
Symbolic parameters — defining and using in procedures, default values, overriding
Procedure overrides — overriding DD, EXEC, adding DD, super overrides, override principles
Selected z/OS utility programs — IEBGENER, IEBCOPY, IEFBR14, IDCAMS, applications and syntax
Laboratory exercises: creating and invoking procedures, symbolic parameters, utility programs

Sort and merge statements — SORT, MERGE, related JCL statements, DFSORT/ICETOOL, control parameters
Tape processing devices — tape management, LABEL parameters, EXPDT, RETPD, drive handling
Recognizing and resolving ABENDs — typical ABEND codes (S0C7, S0C4, S222, S322, S806, S913), diagnostics
System message analysis — reading JES logs, IEF and IEC messages, job result interpretation
Identifying SMS requirements — mass storage management, retention policies, data classes in practice
Laboratory exercises: data sorting, ABEND diagnostics, message analysis, summary

Delivery Methods

Online

Convenience of participating from anywhere
Interactive live sessions with trainer
Materials available for 30 days
No travel costs

On-site

Direct contact with trainer and group
Intensive hands-on workshops
Networking with other participants
Full focus on learning

Frequently asked questions

What are the prerequisites for this training?

For z/OS JCL and Utilities we recommend: Basic knowledge of IS technology.; z/OS concepts and how these systems support Enterprise servers..

What is the format and duration of this training?

The training lasts 5 days and is available in online and on-site format. Sessions run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We can also customize the schedule to fit your team's needs.

Who is this training designed for?

This training is designed for: This basic course is designed for people who want to use z/OS JCL and tools.