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Systems Programming on IBM Z

IBM

The foundational knowledge for the position of an IBM z/OS System Programmer and System Administrator begins with this third and final course in the three course professional certificate track.

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The foundational knowledge for the position of an IBM z/OS System Programmer and System Administrator begins with this third and final course in the three course professional certificate track.

The foundational knowledge for the position of an IBM z/OS System Programmer and System Administrator begins with this third and final course in the three course professional certificate track. This course provides hands-on labs to everyday z/OS tasks with JCL, JES, ISHELL and HFS, and z/OSMF. Topics covered include VSAM, z/OS System Libraries, the Language Environment, Generation Data Groups, RAIM, DB2, UNIX System Services, and USS File System. This course includes readings, quizzes, and lab exercises accompanying the video course. You will need 17-18 hours to complete this course.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
IBM Z System Programming System Administration z/OS JES ISHELL JCL

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Syllabus

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what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for individuals seeking an entry-level position as an IBM z/OS System Programmer or System Administrator
Provides hands-on experience in various z/OS tasks including JCL, JES, ISHELL, HFS, and z/OSMF
Covers essential topics for z/OS system administration, such as VSAM, System Libraries, and USS File System
Taught by IBM instructors, who are experts in the field of z/OS

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Reviews summary

Ibm z systems programming foundation

According to students, this course is a highly practical and essential step for aspiring IBM z/OS System Programmers. Learners particularly praise the extensive hands-on labs using tools like JCL, JES, and z/OSMF, which provide invaluable real-world experience. The course is noted for its comprehensive coverage of foundational topics such as VSAM, DB2, and UNIX System Services, making it a strong capstone to the professional certificate track. Some learners may find it challenging without foundational understanding from prior courses or mainframe exposure.
Directly prepares learners for the IBM z/OS System Programmer role.
"This course, as the final one, truly caps off the professional certificate with directly applicable skills for a z/OS career."
"I enrolled to advance my career in mainframe, and this course delivered exactly what I needed to understand the role."
"The knowledge gained here is essential for anyone aspiring to be an IBM z/OS System Administrator."
Covers a wide range of critical z/OS system programming concepts.
"The course covers a broad spectrum of topics, from VSAM to DB2 and UNIX System Services, giving a solid foundation."
"I feel well-prepared for entry-level z/OS system admin tasks after completing the modules on system libraries and Language Environment."
"Each module builds well on the last, addressing essential components needed for the IBM Z environment."
Provides essential practical experience with core z/OS tools.
"The hands-on labs are the most valuable part; they really solidify understanding of JCL, JES, and z/OSMF."
"I appreciated the practical exercises; they simulate real-world z/OS tasks crucial for a system programmer."
"Being able to directly work with ISHELL and HFS in the labs was incredibly helpful for my learning."
Challenging without prior foundational understanding.
"Coming into this course, I found that previous parts of the certificate track or a good understanding of mainframe basics is really necessary."
"While comprehensive, the pace can be quick for those not already familiar with core z/OS concepts before starting."
"I needed to review some concepts from earlier courses to keep up with the depth of detail presented here."

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 Systems Programming on IBM Z with these activities:
Seek guidance from experienced z/OS professionals
Connect with experienced z/OS professionals who can provide valuable insights, advice, and support throughout your learning journey.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through professional networks or online platforms
  • Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in their guidance
Review JCL, JES2, and z/OS basics
Help familiarize yourself with the concepts of JCL, JES2, and z/OS basics to strengthen your foundational knowledge in Z/OS system programming.
Browse courses on JCL
Show steps
  • Review documentation and tutorials on JCL, JES2, and z/OS basics
  • Practice writing and executing simple JCL jobs
  • Explore the JES2 subsystem and its components
  • Understand the z/OS operating system architecture and its key concepts
Practice JCL Coding
Enhance your JCL skills by engaging in hands-on coding exercises to solidify your understanding.
Show steps
  • Create JCL scripts to perform basic tasks
  • Practice using JCL parameters and variables
  • Troubleshoot common JCL errors
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Practice configuring and managing z/OSMF
Enhance your practical skills by configuring and managing z/OSMF, gaining hands-on experience in a real-world environment.
Browse courses on z/OSMF
Show steps
  • Set up a z/OSMF environment for practice
  • Configure and customize the z/OSMF interface
  • Manage users, roles, and permissions in z/OSMF
  • Monitor and troubleshoot z/OSMF operations
Explore UNIX System Services on z/OS
Expand your knowledge by delving into tutorials on UNIX System Services, broadening your understanding of z/OS capabilities.
Show steps
  • Follow tutorials on basic UNIX commands
  • Experiment with file handling and process management
  • Explore advanced topics like shell scripting
Attend a z/OS User Group Meeting
Expand your professional network and gain insights by attending a z/OS User Group meeting, where you can connect with experts and fellow professionals.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant z/OS User Group meetings
  • Attend the meeting and actively participate in discussions
  • Follow up with connections made at the meeting
Explore advanced UNIX System Services features
Expand your knowledge of UNIX System Services by exploring advanced features, enabling you to leverage its full potential in z/OS environments.
Browse courses on UNIX System Services
Show steps
  • Find tutorials and documentation on advanced UNIX System Services features
  • Set up a practice environment to experiment with advanced features
  • Explore features such as file system management, networking, and process management
  • Troubleshoot and resolve common issues related to advanced features
Develop a z/OS Utility Script
Apply your knowledge by creating a z/OS utility script that automates a specific task, demonstrating your proficiency in practical application.
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable task for automation
  • Design and code the script using JCL or UNIX commands
  • Test and refine the script for efficiency and accuracy
Develop a presentation on a specific z/OS topic
Solidify your understanding of a particular z/OS topic by creating a presentation that synthesizes your knowledge and allows you to effectively communicate it to others.
Browse courses on Presentation
Show steps
  • Select a specific z/OS topic to focus on
  • Research and gather information from reliable sources
  • Structure the presentation with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
  • Create engaging and informative slides to support your content
  • Practice delivering the presentation to gain confidence and improve your delivery
Develop a troubleshooting guide for z/OS system issues
Create a comprehensive troubleshooting guide that consolidates your knowledge and provides a valuable resource for resolving common z/OS system issues.
Browse courses on Troubleshooting
Show steps
  • Identify and gather information on common z/OS system issues
  • Research and document troubleshooting procedures for each issue
  • Organize and structure the troubleshooting guide for easy navigation
  • Review and refine the guide based on feedback from peers or mentors

Career center

Learners who complete Systems Programming on IBM Z will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Programmer
In this occupation, Systems Programmers implement, maintain, and upgrade computer operating systems software. They may also work with storage hardware, computer networks, and virtualization software. This course from Coursera may be useful in providing knowledge and hands-on experience with everyday z/OS tasks with JCL, JES, ISHELL and HFS, and z/OSMF.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Programmer
System Administrator
System Administrators are responsible for maintaining computer systems and networks. This includes installing, configuring, and maintaining hardware and software, as well as monitoring system performance and security. This course may be useful for System Administrators who need to work with z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators plan, implement, and maintain database management systems. They also ensure that databases are secure and that data is backed up and recovered regularly. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in DB2, which is a relational database management system used on z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Unix Administrator
Unix Administrators install, configure, and maintain Unix operating systems. They also manage user accounts, file systems, and network security. This course may be helpful for Unix Administrators working in a z/OS environment, as it covers UNIX System Services, LPAR, WPAR, HFS, and SMF.
See salaries and explore the career path for Unix Administrator
Storage Administrator
Storage Administrators plan, implement, and maintain storage systems. They also ensure that data is protected and that storage systems are performing optimally. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in VSAM and z/OS System Libraries, which are used for data storage on z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Storage Administrator
Virtualization Administrator
Virtualization Administrators manage virtualization platforms, such as VMware and Hyper-V. They also provision and manage virtual machines. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in LPAR, WPAR, and z/VM, which are virtualization technologies used on z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Virtualization Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators install, configure, and maintain computer networks. They also monitor network performance and security. This course may be useful to provide a foundation in JES and JCL, which are used for managing network connections on z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They also work with users to gather requirements and to ensure that software applications meet their needs. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in the Language Environment and Generation Data Groups, which are used for software development on z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
IT Manager
IT Managers plan, implement, and manage IT systems and services. They also oversee IT staff and ensure that IT systems are aligned with business goals. This course may be helpful in providing a broad understanding of z/OS systems and their components.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager
Database Analyst
Database Analysts design, implement, and maintain databases. They also work with users to gather requirements and to ensure that databases meet their needs. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in DB2 and z/OS System Libraries, which are used for data storage and management on z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. They also work with users to gather requirements and to ensure that systems meet their needs. This course may be useful in providing a broad understanding of z/OS systems and their components.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
IT Consultant
IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to use IT to achieve their business goals. They may also help organizations to implement and manage IT systems. This course may be useful for IT Consultants who work with organizations that use z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation that explains how to use products and services. They may also write training materials and marketing materials. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who need to write documentation for z/OS systems and their components.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Computer Operator
Computer Operators monitor and control computer systems. They also perform routine maintenance tasks and respond to system failures. This course may be useful for Computer Operators who work with z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Operator
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. They may also develop data models and visualizations to help businesses understand their data. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who work with data that is stored on z/OS systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Systems Programming on IBM Z.
Cover image
IBM z/OS V2R2 Communications Server TCP/IP...
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Provides a comprehensive overview of z/OS Communications Server, including network protocols, configuration, and troubleshooting. It valuable resource for both new and experienced z/OS network administrators.
IBM z/OS V2R2 Communications Server TCP/IP...
Paperback
$$$

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Time
107 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
IBM
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for individuals seeking an entry-level position as an IBM z/OS System Programmer or System Administrator
Provides hands-on experience in various z/OS tasks including JCL, JES, ISHELL, HFS, and z/OSMF
Covers essential topics for z/OS system administration, such as VSAM, System Libraries, and USS File System
Taught by IBM instructors, who are experts in the field of z/OS
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