Mastering Mainframe CICS: From Beginner to Expert from Udemy

Welcome to the IBM Mainframe course, and congratulations on choosing this journey towards mastering mainframe technology.

In this course, I will break down IBM Mainframe concepts into simple, easy-to-understand sessions with a strong focus on practical applications. My goal is to make you feel like you are in a classroom setting, ensuring an engaging and immersive learning experience. Whether you're a fresh graduate, a new mainframe developer, or a seasoned professional looking to refresh or upgrade your skills, this course is tailored for all levels.

You have made the right choice by selecting this course, and I am here to support and guide you throughout this journey. My primary objective is to teach Mainframe in the simplest and most effective way possible.

Course Topics Include:

Introduction to Mainframe
Introduction to CICS
Features of CICS
Difference Between Batch & Online Processing
Architecture
MAP and MAPSET
Symbolic and Physical MAP
Transactions, Tasks, Multitasking, Multithreading
Pseudo Conversation
Cursor Positioning Technique
Types of Programs used in CICS
Major Components of CICS
Application Programming
Data Entry Programs
Menu-Based Programs
File Maintenance Programs
File Handling
Exception Handling
Logging into CICS
LINK and XCTL
TSQ and TDQ
Theory & Practical-based Classes with Real-Time Examples

This course is packed with real-time examples and practical-oriented sessions designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the mainframe domain.

Happy learning, and I look forward to assisting you every step of the way.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the core skills needed to apply for mainframe developer and testing roles.
Gain hands-on experience with real-world examples and practical sessions.

Understand the architecture, components, and key functionalities of mainframe cics to excel in your career.
Master essential techniques for efficient data handling, transaction processing, and system optimization within a mainframe environment.

Learn the core skills needed to apply for mainframe developer and testing roles.
Gain hands-on experience with real-world examples and practical sessions.
Understand the architecture, components, and key functionalities of mainframe cics to excel in your career.
Master essential techniques for efficient data handling, transaction processing, and system optimization within a mainframe environment.

Syllabus

CICS - All Topics with a Detailed Explanation

Introduction to CICS

Understanding the Importance of CICS

Features of CICS

Dive deep into the world of Customer Information Control System (CICS) and test your knowledge on its key features and functionalities. This quiz covers everything from the basic terminologies to the core aspects of online and batch processing in CICS. Whether you're a mainframe novice or a seasoned professional, this quiz offers a comprehensive overview to sharpen your CICS skills. Take on the challenge and see how well you know the backbone of many modern mainframe applications

Dive deep into your understanding of the mainframe environment with this comprehensive quiz.

Test your grasp on:

The foundational concepts introduced in "Introduction to CICS."

The pivotal role and significance of CICS in real-world applications.

The distinctions between batch and online processing, and the nuances that set them apart.

An exploration into the dynamics of batch and online processing, delving into their advantages, use-cases, and interplay in enterprise scenarios.

Challenge yourself and solidify your knowledge on these critical mainframe topics!

Understanding the Pros and Cons of CICS

Unraveling the 5 Major Components of CICS

Diving Deep: Major Components of CICS

Exploring CICS Program Types

Understanding Transactions in CICS

Exploring Task Management in CICS: Multitasking, Multithreading, and Quasi-reentrancy

Modes of Communication and PSUDO CONVERSATION in CICS

CICS Control Programs and Transaction Initiation

Mastering CICS Screens: Navigating BMS, Maps, and Mapsets

Mastering CICS Map Programming: Structure, Rules, and Hierarchy

How to Develop a Map and Differences in Physical vs Symbolic Map

Quiz on Different Ways of Displaying a Map and How to Get Into Online Regions (CICS)

File Handling in CICS

Understanding QUEUE, TSQ, and TDQ in Mainframe CICS

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down IBM Mainframe concepts into simple, easy-to-understand sessions, which is helpful for those new to the technology

Covers CICS, which remains a relevant system for transaction processing and application serving in many mainframe environments

Includes practical, real-time examples, which allows learners to immediately apply their knowledge to on-the-job tasks

Explores topics such as transaction processing, multitasking, and multithreading, which are essential for understanding modern computing environments

Features file handling with sequential access, which is a common method for processing large datasets in batch-oriented systems

Teaches older technologies such as COBOL and DB2, which may not be as relevant to learners seeking to work with newer technologies

Reviews summary

Mainframe cics core concepts & practical application

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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 Mastering Mainframe CICS: From Beginner to Expert with these activities:

Review COBOL Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of COBOL, the primary language used in CICS applications, to better grasp the code examples and application development aspects of the course.

Browse courses on COBOL

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Review COBOL syntax and data structures.
Practice writing simple COBOL programs.
Study COBOL file handling techniques.

Explore 'IBM CICS Command Level Programming'

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Deepen your understanding of CICS command-level programming with a dedicated guide, enhancing your ability to write efficient and effective CICS applications.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read the chapters on CICS commands and their usage.
Study the examples of CICS command-level programs.
Experiment with different CICS commands in your own programs.

Read 'CICS Handbook'

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Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to CICS, providing in-depth knowledge and practical examples to enhance your understanding of the system.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters on CICS architecture and components.
Study the examples of CICS programming techniques.
Refer to the book when encountering difficult concepts in the course.

Four other activities

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Create a CICS Application Flowchart

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Visualize the flow of a CICS application to solidify your understanding of transaction processing, program control, and data handling within the CICS environment.

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Choose a sample CICS application scenario.
Map out the different components and their interactions.
Create a flowchart illustrating the application flow.

Implement Pseudo-Conversational Programs

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Practice implementing pseudo-conversational programs in CICS to master this essential technique for efficient transaction processing and resource management.

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Write a CICS program that uses pseudo-conversational techniques.
Test the program thoroughly with different input scenarios.
Debug and optimize the program for performance.

Develop a Simple CICS File Maintenance Program

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Build a practical CICS application that performs file maintenance operations to gain hands-on experience with file handling, data manipulation, and error handling in CICS.

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Design the program to read, write, rewrite, and delete records.
Implement the program using COBOL and CICS commands.
Test the program with various data scenarios.
Implement error handling and logging mechanisms.

Create a CICS Command Reference Sheet

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Compile a reference sheet of commonly used CICS commands to have a quick and easy guide for application development and troubleshooting.

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Identify the most frequently used CICS commands.
Document the syntax and usage of each command.
Organize the commands into a reference sheet for easy access.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering Mainframe CICS: From Beginner to Expert will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mainframe Developer

A Mainframe Developer designs, develops, and maintains applications that run on mainframe systems. This course, with its focus on practical application and in-depth exploration of CICS, helps build the foundation for understanding mainframe environments. The course covers key areas like transaction processing, file handling, and application programming, all of which are essential skills for a Mainframe Developer. The course's structure, moving from basic concepts to complex interactions, makes it particularly useful for those looking to enter this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Developer

Mainframe Application Tester

A Mainframe Application Tester tests mainframe applications, ensuring they meet quality standards. This course helps build the foundation useful for such a role due to its focus on practical application and testing. The course’s coverage of CICS features, transaction processing, and system components may be useful for a Mainframe Application Tester. This course emphasizes real-time examples and practical sessions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Application Tester

Mainframe Systems Analyst

A Mainframe Systems Analyst analyzes, designs and implements mainframe solutions. This course helps build a foundation for such a role by exploring CICS. The course covers system components, transaction processing, and program control operations, which may be relevant to the work of a Mainframe Systems Analyst. This course helps one understand the intricacies of CICS and its role in system architecture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Systems Analyst

COBOL Programmer

A COBOL Programmer develops and maintains code using the COBOL language, often working within mainframe environments. This course is useful because it dives into CICS, which often works in conjunction with COBOL. The course provides practical skills in file handling and application programming, which are crucial for a COBOL Programmer. The course helps one understand how COBOL programs interact with CICS for transaction processing and data management.

See salaries and explore the career path for COBOL Programmer

Technical Consultant

A Technical Consultant provides expert advice and guidance on technological solutions. This course's comprehensive look at CICS may be useful. The course covers transaction processing, file handling, and application programming, which helps a Technical Consultant understand the mainframe technology landscape. This course helps a consultant who requires a deep familiarity with mainframe operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Consultant

Systems Programmer

A Systems Programmer works with the operating systems and underlying infrastructure of a computer system. This course may be useful, as it offers a focused look into mainframe operating systems and CICS. The course covers important system components, transaction initiation, and control program functions, important areas for a System Programmer. The course’s detailed look at CICS and its various components may provide a programmer with a leg up.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Programmer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This course is useful for Software Engineers who may work on mainframe systems. The course delves into CICS, which is a crucial system for many legacy applications. The practical examples, file handling techniques, and application programming knowledge provided in the course will be of interest to those tasked with working on solutions that involve the mainframe. It helps build a foundation in specialized legacy software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Application Developer

An Application Developer creates and manages software applications. This course may be useful, as it gives insight into application development within the mainframe environment, using CICS. The course's focus on practical application and real-time examples may prove helpful to an Application Developer, especially one who works with legacy systems or needs to maintain or upgrade existing mainframe-based applications. The course helps one learn about application program structure, data handling, and transaction processing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Software Architect

A Software Architect designs the overall structure of software systems. This course may be useful for someone working with mainframe systems. The course's exploration of CICS components, transaction processing, and program control operations helps a Software Architect understand the complexities involved in mainframe application design. It might also be useful to guide their decisions about how different software systems will interact with mainframe solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases, ensuring their security and efficiency. This course may be useful, as it covers file handling and data management within a CICS environment. The course’s exploration of file handling and transaction processing helps a Database Administrator understand how data is accessed and manipulated in mainframe environments. The course gives one a sense of how database interactions actually take place.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst tests software and systems to ensure they meet quality standards and requirements. This course may be useful, as it provides a basis for understanding the intricacies of mainframe systems. The course's coverage of CICS components, transaction processing, and application programming may be useful for designing test cases and identifying potential issues. This course helps one understand the context in which failures or bugs might occur.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Support Engineer

A Support Engineer provides technical support to users. This course may be helpful, as it explores the intricacies of mainframe systems using CICS. The course's practical examples and detailed explanation of CICS may be relevant in a support context. The course helps provide a deeper base of knowledge for supporting software that runs on mainframes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Support Engineer

IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist provides technical assistance to users, resolving issues and maintaining system functionality. This course may be useful, as it introduces key aspects of mainframe technology. The course's exploration of CICS and its components helps an IT Support Specialist understand the architecture and functioning of mainframe systems. The course helps one gain a basis for supporting systems that use CICS.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager oversees technology projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery. This course may be useful, as it offers insight into mainframe systems. The course’s coverage of CICS components, transaction processes, and application programming may be relevant for managing projects that involve mainframe systems. The course helps an IT Project Manager make more informed decisions about project plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation for software and technical processes. This course helps build the foundation for someone looking to document mainframe systems. The course provides a detailed introduction to mainframe concepts, CICS functionalities, and application programming, which are crucial details for creating accurate documentation. The course helps a technical writer understand the terms and processes used in a mainframe environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Mastering Mainframe CICS

From Beginner to Expert

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Mainframe cics core concepts & practical application

Activities

Career center

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