JCL for Application Developers

Why take this course?

After completing this course, you will be able to
  • code, submit, and review JCL execution.
  • correct syntax errors.
  • calculate how much space is required to allocate your files.
  • calculate efficient block size and understand how it affects space allocation and I/O services.
  • create and invoke procedures using overriding statements and symbolic values.
  • Select the appropriate utility and use it to perform standard operations with files
  • control the execution of a job by providing parameters at the job level and step level.
  • request basic processing options from the Job Entry Sub-system.
  • create and access Generation Data Groups.

Learn how to analyze, code, test and debug IBM mainframe Job Control Language statements including MVS Utility commands. We start by explaining the different JCL statements required for execution, covering the various parameters used in business applications such as file allocation options and printing options. Once you've got the essential JCL concepts down, we move on to more advanced topics.

Hands-on workshops get you doing the tasks that developers typically must perform when batch programs have been modified and must be tested. You will have to modify existing jobs to execute according to specifications. You'll also have an opportunity to see different execution errors and learn how to fix these.

Who should attend?

All levels of programmers, analysts, and systems analysts who author, use, and/or support usage of MVS JCL. This includes current MVS JCL users who desire formalization of their skills in this area.

Any prerequisites?

You should have a basic understanding of computer software and programming logic plus a have a working knowledge of TSO/ISPF per our course TSO/ISPF Essentials

Dates and Fees

3 Days   ? - $ 1,047 (CAD) ? Up to 3 - $ 2,097 Up to 6 - $ 3,144   ? Plus - $ 524
 
Sorry, no classes are currently scheduled, please contact us to request a class
Contact us to arrange your preferred date and/or in-class training

What Topics Are Covered?

Introduction to JCL
  • Applications overview
  • What does JCL do?
  • What does JCL look like?
  • Test cycle
  • Common errors
JCL Basics
  • Basic format
  • JOB statement
  • EXEC statement
  • Input DD statement
  • The DISP parameter
  • Positional and Keyword Parameters
  • Common syntax errors
  • Allocation problems
DD Statement Basics
  • SYSIN Data Set
  • SYSOUT Data Set
  • SYSOUT Keyword
  • OUTPUT Statement
  • INCLUDE Statement
  • JOBLIB and STEPLIB
  • Other DD Statements
DCB Parameters
  • Overview
  • Format
  • Examples
  • Blocks and Block Size
  • Calculating Block Size
  • Mapping DCB Parameters
Allocating Data Sets
  • Device Parameters
  • Permanent and Temporary Data Sets
  • Dummy Data Sets
  • Concatenation
  • Disk Data Sets
  • Calculating SPACE parameters
  • Partitioned Data Sets
  • Tape Data Sets
Conditional Execution and Referback
  • Purpose of Conditional Execution
  • Condition on the JOB Statement
  • Condition on the EXEC Statement
  • IF-THEN-ELSE-ENDIF
  • IF Statement Relational Expression
  • COND vs. IF Statement
  • IF Statement Considerations
  • IF Statement Examples
  • Handling Internal and External ABENDS
  • Purpose of Referback
  • Referback Format and Examples
Cataloged Procedures
  • Advantage of Using Procedures
  • Invoking a Procedure
  • Procedure Libraries
  • Creating a Procedure
  • In-Stream Procedure
  • Cataloged Procedure
  • Overriding Parameters
  • Symbolic Parameters
  • Assigning Defaults to Symbolic Parameters
  • Output Listing Results
JES2 Statements
  • Definition
  • Syntax Rules
  • /*ROUTE
  • /*MESSAGE
  • /*OUTPUT
  • /*JOBPARM
Utilities
  • Definition
  • Data Set Utilities
  • IEBGENER
  • IEBCOPY
  • IEBPTPCH
  • IEFBR14
  • IDCAMS (non-VSAM)
  • PRINT
  • REPRO
  • DELETE
Generation Data Groups
  • Definition
  • Processing GDG Files
  • Creating Generation Group Index
  • Creating a DSCB Model
  • Accessing GDG Files Using Models
The Student Manual also includes a detailed Appendix full of useful information, such as:
  • Full Descriptions of JCL Statement Types
  • Full Descriptions of many JES2 Statements
  • Full Descriptions of many Utilities
  • System Completion Codes
  • Examples of Sort and Merge

Competency Assessment and Certificate

At the request of the person booking, a technical competency assessment will be conducted with the student.
This assessment will be a combination of written and multiple choice questions as well as specific coding tests.
Upon a minimum pass rate of 85%, students will receive a Certificate of Competency instead of the standard certificate of course completion.
Please Contact us for more details or specific needs.