TSO/ISPF Getting Started from Pluralsight

This course will teach you how to use the ISPF File/Program Editor running in a TSO Session to find what program(s) you need to fix and how to apply your edits in a typical Mainframe “Shop”.

For some, the IBM mainframe world of legacy programs may be a bit intimidating. It is not the finite ecosystem of programming in a java or .Net environment. But (due to a scarcity of resources) you may find yourself being asked to code a quick fix for a COBOL program and - being able to do so - may well be the differentiator that makes you the “go to gal or guy” in an IBM ‘shop”! in this course, TSO/ISPF Getting Started, you’ll learn what to do when you are given a specification. First, you’ll explore the ISPF utilities - where you will be able to search for the programs that you'll need to analyze and copy to your own project libraries for the fix. Next, you’ll discover how to set up PF keys so you can hot key from panel to panel, under different menus and organize your workflow by creating test and staging (PDS) libraries. Finally, you’ll learn how to use ISPF command lines and line commands to edit your fixes and limit your edits to just the few lines of COBOL. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to fix COBOL programs and stage the results in a manner that seasoned COBOL programmers would consider as consistent with their own standards and, perhaps, you will realize why those same programmers prefer using the ISPF editor as the easiest and fastest way to get the job done.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Basic Navigation Using ISPF Panels, Menus, and PF Keys

Using ISPF Utilities to Find Legacy Programs for a Spec

Analyze COBOL Programs Using Multiple ISPF Sessions

Editing COBOL Programs in the ISPF Editor

Other ISPF Options That You Can Expect to See

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches how to search for and fix COBOL programs, a skill that could be a differentiator for a developer

Provides a strong foundation for developers who need to learn how to navigate the IBM mainframe world

Develops necessary skills for COBOL programmers to fix programs and stage results in a standardized manner

Instructor George Rady is recognized for work in the topic of the course

Teaches how to analyze COBOL programs using multiple ISPF sessions, a skill that could be valuable for a developer

Covers other ISPF options that may be relevant for developers

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in TSO/ISPF Getting Started with these activities:

Review Basic COBOL Syntax

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Before starting the course, quickly refresh your understanding of basic COBOL syntax. This will help you more easily comprehend the concepts and techniques covered in the course.

Browse courses on Mainframe Programming

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Review your COBOL notes or a COBOL reference manual
Focus on data types, control structures, and file handling
Complete a few simple COBOL exercises
Join a COBOL discussion forum or online community

Organize Course Materials and Notes

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Compile and organize your course notes, assignments, and other materials in a structured and accessible manner. This will improve your ability to review and retain the information covered in the course.

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Create a dedicated folder for the course
File lecture notes, assignments, and other materials
Use subfolders or tags to categorize different topics
Review and update your notes regularly

Review "COBOL Programming" by Gary B. Shelly

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Review this book to reinforce the concepts and techniques covered in the course, particularly those related to COBOL programming and editing using ISPF.

View Structured COBOL Programming, Second Edition... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and skim each chapter
Review the sections on COBOL syntax and data structures
Focus on the chapters covering ISPF and COBOL editing
Complete the practice exercises at the end of each chapter

Three other activities

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Complete the ISPF Tutorial from the IBM Documentation

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Follow the official IBM tutorial to gain a hands-on understanding of ISPF's capabilities and how to use it for COBOL editing.

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Access the IBM Documentation for ISPF
Start the ISPF Tutorial
Follow the instructions and complete the exercises
Refer to the tutorial during your course work

Perform COBOL Editing Exercises in ISPF

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Complete a set of practice exercises that require you to use ISPF to edit COBOL programs. This will improve your proficiency and confidence in using ISPF for real-world tasks.

Browse courses on Mainframe Programming

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Create a sample COBOL program in ISPF
Edit the program using ISPF commands and line commands
Save the edited program and verify the changes
Troubleshoot common COBOL editing issues

Attend a Virtual Meetup for Mainframe Professionals

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Attend a virtual meetup or event to connect with other professionals in the mainframe industry. This will allow you to share experiences, learn from others, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.

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Identify relevant meetups or events
Register and attend the event
Engage with other attendees
Follow up with connections

Career center

Learners who complete TSO/ISPF Getting Started will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mainframe Computer Operator

A Mainframe Computer Operator manages the day-to-day operations of a mainframe computer system, working with TSO/ISPF and other software to optimize performance and ensure data security. This course may be helpful for those seeking this role as it provides a solid foundation in using ISPF to navigate and edit programs, which is a core skill for Mainframe Computer Operators. The ability to use ISPF panels, menus, and PF keys allows operators to quickly and efficiently complete their tasks and is essential for maintaining optimal system performance.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain the software that powers computers and applications. This course may be useful for those seeking to become Computer Programmers as it offers hands-on experience with the ISPF editor, a tool commonly used by programmers working in a mainframe environment. Understanding how to use ISPF to edit and analyze COBOL programs is valuable for those wishing to work with legacy systems and maintain the integrity of existing code.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and implement software applications, often working with a team of engineers and other professionals. This course may be useful for those aspiring to become Software Developers, as it provides an overview of ISPF, an essential tool for working with mainframe systems. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, developers can effectively navigate legacy code, identify issues, and make necessary changes.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study and analyze an organization's systems and procedures, identifying areas for improvement. This course may be helpful for those seeking this role as it provides an understanding of ISPF, a tool commonly used in mainframe environments. Understanding how to use ISPF allows Systems Analysts to efficiently gather information, analyze data, and make recommendations for改进.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts bridge the gap between technical and business teams, translating business requirements into technical specifications. This course may be useful for Business Analysts working with mainframe systems, as it provides a foundational understanding of ISPF, the File/Program Editor, and other essential tools. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, Business Analysts can effectively communicate with technical teams and ensure accurate implementation of business requirements.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns, providing valuable insights to organizations. This course may be helpful for Data Analysts working with mainframe systems, as it offers hands-on experience with ISPF, a tool widely used for data manipulation and analysis. By mastering ISPF, Data Analysts can efficiently access and manage large datasets, perform complex analyses, and generate meaningful reports.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases, ensuring their availability, performance, and security. This course may be useful for Database Administrators working in mainframe environments, as it provides a solid foundation in ISPF, a tool commonly used to access and manage databases. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, Database Administrators can effectively perform tasks such as creating, modifying, and backing up databases, and managing user access.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan, implement, and manage an organization's IT infrastructure, ensuring its alignment with business objectives. This course may be of interest to those aspiring to become IT Managers, as it offers an overview of ISPF, a tool commonly used in mainframe environments. Understanding how to use ISPF can be valuable for IT Managers responsible for managing and optimizing mainframe systems.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts working with mainframe systems, as it provides a foundation in ISPF, a tool commonly used for system administration and security management. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, Information Security Analysts can effectively monitor system activity, identify potential security breaches, and implement appropriate countermeasures.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain an organization's computer networks, ensuring their reliability, performance, and security. This course may be useful for Network Administrators working with mainframe systems, as it offers an overview of ISPF, a tool commonly used for network management and configuration. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, Network Administrators can effectively monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement network security measures.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects, ensuring their successful completion within defined constraints. This course may be of interest to Project Managers working with mainframe systems, as it offers an overview of ISPF, a tool commonly used in mainframe environments. Understanding how to use ISPF can be valuable for Project Managers responsible for managing and coordinating mainframe-related projects.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software applications to ensure they meet quality standards. This course may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts working with mainframe systems, as it offers hands-on experience with ISPF, a tool commonly used for testing and debugging. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, Quality Assurance Analysts can effectively execute test cases, analyze results, and identify defects in software applications.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course may be useful for Technical Writers specializing in mainframe systems, as it provides a foundation in ISPF, a tool commonly used for accessing and managing documentation. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, Technical Writers can effectively navigate and edit technical documents, ensuring their accuracy and clarity.

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Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical assistance to users, resolving issues and providing guidance. This course may be useful for Technical Support Specialists working with mainframe systems, as it offers an overview of ISPF, a tool commonly used for troubleshooting and problem-solving. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, Technical Support Specialists can effectively diagnose and resolve issues in mainframe environments, providing efficient and accurate support to users.

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Systems Programmer

Systems Programmers design, develop, and maintain operating systems and other system software. This course may be useful for Systems Programmers working with mainframe systems, as it provides a solid foundation in ISPF, a tool commonly used for system administration and management. By gaining proficiency in ISPF, Systems Programmers can effectively perform tasks such as configuring the operating system, managing system resources, and implementing security measures.

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TSO/ISPF Getting Started

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