Mainframe Development: Big Picture from Pluralsight

This course gives an overview of the IBM Z system, general architecture, supported applications and workloads, why enterprises continue to rely on the platform, how it came to be positioned as it is, and where IBM is taking the platform in future.

Ever since the late 1980s, mainframes were expected to die. But a funny thing happened on the way to the cemetery. Today, mainframes are enjoying a resurgence, and you are finding professional opportunities working on the mainframe platform. Why is that? In this course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, you’ll learn why mainframes are still mission-critical systems in many large enterprises and government agencies. First, you'll explore the history and architecture that created the infrastructure that we see today. Next, you’ll rediscover capabilities and unique terminology of the mainframe platform. Finally, you'll learn why the platform continues to be relevant in the world of computing. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll understand how mainframes fit into the world of computing and the direction IBM sees for the platform's future.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Mainframe Evolution

Mainframe Architecture

Mainframe Operating Systems

Mainframe Practical Applications

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines mainframe evolution, architecture, operating systems, and applications, providing a wide-ranging perspective

Explores mainframe capabilities and terminology, helping learners understand its unique aspects

Discusses the ongoing relevance of mainframes, exploring why they remain critical in certain industries

May be beneficial for individuals interested in expanding their knowledge of mainframe systems

Taught by Dave Nicolette, an experienced instructor in the field

Provides insights into IBM's vision for the future of the mainframe platform

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 Mainframe Development: Big Picture with these activities:

Mainframe Quiz Review

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Completing this quiz before the course will help you assess your knowledge of mainframe concepts and identify areas where you may need to focus your studies.

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Visit the Pluralsight website and create an account.
Enroll in the Mainframe Development: Big Picture course.
Take the Mainframe Quiz located in the Course Overview section.

Review Mainframe Concepts

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Enhance your foundational knowledge of mainframes to better grasp the course materials.

Browse courses on Mainframes

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Review the course overview and objectives.
Read introductory articles or blog posts on mainframe concepts.
Attend a webinar or online lecture on mainframe basics.

Explore Mainframe Architecture and Technologies

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Deepen your understanding of mainframe architecture and technologies by following guided tutorials.

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Identify relevant tutorials or courses on mainframe architecture and technologies.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the concepts.
Experiment with different mainframe technologies using online resources or emulators.

Two other activities

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Write a Summary of Mainframe History and Evolution

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Reinforce your understanding of mainframe history and evolution by writing a summary.

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Research the evolution of mainframes from early models to modern systems.
Organize your findings into a coherent outline.
Write a concise summary, highlighting key milestones and advancements.

Practice Mainframe Operating System Commands

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Enhance your proficiency in mainframe operating systems by practicing commands.

Browse courses on Mainframe Operating Systems

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Find online resources or simulators that provide a command-line environment.
Follow tutorials or documentation to learn essential commands.
Practice executing commands and troubleshooting common issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Mainframe Development: Big Picture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mainframe Architect

A Mainframe Architect will lead development and maintenance of complex mainframe systems including overseeing the design and operations of mainframe applications, ensuring that systems are secure, reliable, and efficient and by analyzing performance and other data to optimize configuration and tuning. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the mainframe platform, which will prepare you for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Architect

Mainframe Developer

Mainframe Developers work with a variety of programming languages to write, test, maintain, and debug applications, which may include analyzing user requirements, designing and implementing solutions, and coding, testing, and debugging programs. This course will help you understand why the mainframe remains relevant in the present and future, giving you the context necessary for success as a Mainframe Developer.

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Mainframe Operator

Mainframe Operators are responsible for installing, configuring, and monitoring mainframe computers and networks, performing routine maintenance on mainframes such as system software, middleware, and applications, as well as managing data storage and backup. This course will give you an understanding of the Mainframe platform, its history, and continuing evolution. It will also introduce you to the unique environment of a mainframe and the terminology often used in the profession.

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Programmer Analyst

A Programmer Analyst combines programming and business analysis skills to understand and resolve problems through the development of software solutions. This course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, provides an overview of the IBM Z system architecture, supported applications and workloads, and the reasons why enterprises continue to rely on the platform. This knowledge will be valuable to you whether you are working on legacy applications or new development initiatives.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and evaluate computer software, analyzing user needs and developing and implementing software solutions. This course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, will help you understand the history, architecture, and applications of mainframe systems. As a Software Developer, you should have a working knowledge of the platforms you work on and this class can give you a solid grounding in mainframes.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are the gatekeepers for one of the most important and sensitive assets of any organization. They are responsible for managing, securing, and maintaining their organization's databases as well as ensuring optimal performance and data integrity by installing and configuring database systems and ensuring database security. This course can help you build a solid understanding of how to use a mainframe to manage and maintain sensitive data. In modern business, you may be responsible for a variety of data, but this class will give you a leg up on working with a mainframe database.

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Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst will develop and execute test plans and monitor and document defects in accordance with quality standards, tracking and reporting the status of the testing process and its outcomes and by working with development teams to resolve defects and enhance software quality. The course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, can help you build a strong foundation in mainframe technology, which will be valuable in your role as a QA Analyst working with mainframe systems.

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Solution Architect

A Solution Architect will design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain IT solutions that meet the needs of a business or organization, working with clients and other stakeholders to define and document requirements and by designing and implementing solutions that meet those requirements. This course can give you an overview of the uses of Mainframe Development in real-world applications and scenarios while giving you enough foundational knowledge to carry out your responsibilities as a Solution Architect.

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Technology Consultant

Technology Consultants help organizations develop and implement technology solutions to meet their business needs, analyzing client needs and developing and implementing solutions that meet those needs. The course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, can help build a foundation for understanding the role of mainframes in an enterprise setting.

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Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will turn raw data into insights that can help your company make better decisions. This course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, can help you develop a strong understanding of how to retrieve, analyze, and present data from a mainframe system. In a modern work environment, you should expect to retrieve, manipulate, and interpret data from a variety of sources including a mainframe.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications, working with clients and other stakeholders to define and document requirements and by designing and implementing solutions that meet those requirements. This course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, can help you build a foundation for understanding the role of mainframes in modern computing, including their integration with web applications and services.

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System Administrator

A System Administrator installs, configures, and maintains computer systems and networks, ensuring that systems are secure and efficient and by resolving problems and outages. Mainframe Development: Big Picture, provides a good introduction to the fundamentals of mainframe computing, including its history, architecture, and operating systems. This knowledge can be helpful to System Administrators who are responsible for supporting mainframe systems.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, controls, and closes the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria at a specified time. The course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, provides a good introduction to the mainframe platform, including its evolution, architecture, and operating systems. This can be valuable to Project Managers who will work on or with mainframe systems.

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Technical Architect

A Technical Architect will guide the development, deployment, and maintenance of software systems by participating in the planning, design, and implementation of IT systems, ensuring that systems are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help Technical Architects gain an understanding of how mainframes are used and how they fit into modern system architecture.

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Technical Project Manager

A Technical Project Manager will plan, execute, control, and close the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria at a specified time, working with clients and other stakeholders to define and document requirements and by designing and implementing solutions that meet those requirements. The course, Mainframe Development: Big Picture, can help build a foundation for working with mainframe systems and understanding their role in modern computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Project Manager