Complete REXX course, from 0, for Windows and z/OS from Udemy

Hi everyone.

In this course, we are going to learn how to program with REXX, a very simple language used mainly for automation. We will start from 0, so no knowledge of any programming language is necessary. But at the same time, we will go quickly with the most fundamental sections that are typical and common for any programming language.

First, we will see how to work with REXX in the Windows environment so that you can also use it for personal tasks and to facilitate your routines. We will work with a very intuitive and useful text editor for programming and test the REXX instructions in an interactive way.

We will see how to interact with the Windows operating system and how to handle files, we will also see how to execute MS-DOS commands.

Then, we will see how to use REXX on z/OS. I will tell you how to get access to a Mainframe with z/OS so that you can access it from your computer and run your REXX programs IBM operating system. This environment is the original system where REXX was created. We will apply everything we have learned during the Windows phase and look at the specific options for working with REXX on z/OS (the latest operating system from IBM).

We will get the most out of REXX by creating interactive panels, handling datasets, and interacting with z/OS.

During the course, we will find simple tests and practical assignments to be able to review and apply what we are learning. I will review those assignments personally.

I hope you enjoy it and you find this course helpful. I'm attentive to my email, so you can contact me with any need.

Thank you.

Wish you the best.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Rexx programming on windows and z/os
Managing windows by using rexx

Managing z/os by using rexx

Rexx programming on windows and z/os
Managing windows by using rexx
Managing z/os by using rexx

Syllabus

Introduction

History and Introduction

Characteristics

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what should give you pause

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Starts from zero, making it suitable for individuals with no prior programming experience, while also covering advanced topics relevant to z/OS environments

Covers REXX on both Windows and z/OS, providing a versatile skillset applicable to personal tasks and mainframe environments

Includes practical assignments with personal review, offering hands-on experience and personalized feedback to reinforce learning

Requires access to a mainframe with z/OS, which may present a barrier for some learners without existing access or resources

Explores interacting with SDSF, which is useful for those working with IBM's z/OS mainframe operating systems and needing to manage system operations

Reviews summary

Comprehensive rexx for windows and z/os

This course, titled 'Complete REXX course, from 0, for Windows and z/OS', is presented as a comprehensive guide to REXX programming. Based on the course description and syllabus (note: no student reviews were provided for analysis), it aims to teach REXX from scratch, requiring no prior programming knowledge. The curriculum covers using REXX in both Windows for personal automation tasks and extensively on z/OS mainframes, including how to gain access and interact with the mainframe environment, handle datasets, create panels, and interface with SDSF. It includes simple tests and practical assignments personally reviewed by the instructor.

Features tests and programming assignments throughout the course.

"[No review excerpts available]"

Aims to teach REXX programming starting from scratch.

"[No review excerpts available]"

Focuses on using REXX in both Windows and mainframe environments.

"[No review excerpts available]"

Details accessing z/OS and performing practical mainframe tasks.

"[No review excerpts available]"

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 Complete REXX course, from 0, for Windows and z/OS with these activities:

Review Basic Programming Concepts

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Reinforce fundamental programming concepts like variables, loops, and conditional statements to build a solid foundation for learning REXX.

Browse courses on Variables

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Review online tutorials on basic programming concepts.
Complete practice exercises on variables and data types.
Write simple programs using loops and conditional statements.

Read 'REXX in the TSO Environment'

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Deepen your understanding of REXX in the z/OS environment by studying a dedicated resource on the topic.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'REXX in the TSO Environment'.
Read the chapters relevant to dataset manipulation and ISPF panels.
Experiment with the examples provided in the book on a z/OS system.

REXX Coding Challenges

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Sharpen your REXX programming skills by solving coding challenges that cover various aspects of the language.

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Find online REXX coding challenge resources.
Solve problems related to string manipulation, file processing, and system interaction.
Review solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Four other activities

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Create a REXX Cheat Sheet

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Consolidate your knowledge of REXX syntax and built-in functions by creating a personal cheat sheet.

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Review the course materials and identify key REXX syntax elements.
Organize the cheat sheet by topic (e.g., string functions, control structures).
Include examples for each syntax element or function.

Automate a Task with REXX

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Apply your REXX skills to automate a real-world task on either Windows or z/OS.

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Identify a repetitive task that can be automated.
Design a REXX script to perform the task.
Test and debug the script thoroughly.
Document the script and its usage.

Explore 'Practical REXX Examples'

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Gain practical insights into REXX programming by studying real-world examples and use cases.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Practical REXX Examples'.
Browse the examples and identify those relevant to your interests.
Study the code and understand the underlying logic.

Contribute to a REXX Project

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Enhance your REXX skills and collaborate with other developers by contributing to an open-source REXX project.

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Find an open-source REXX project on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
Identify a bug to fix or a feature to implement.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Complete REXX course, from 0, for Windows and z/OS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Batch Processing Specialist

A Batch Processing Specialist manages and optimizes batch processing operations. This course provides a foundation in scripting using REXX, which is often used for automating batch processes on mainframe systems. The course covers managing files, working on z/OS operating systems, and automating tasks which aligns directly with the duties of a batch processing specialist. This course is helpful for anyone wishing to move into a career as a batch processing specialist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Batch Processing Specialist

Mainframe Developer

A Mainframe Developer writes and maintains software applications on mainframe systems. This course is particularly relevant for anyone aiming to become a mainframe developer. It provides a practical introduction to REXX, a language commonly used in z/OS environments. The course covers how to manage datasets, create interactive panels, and interact with z/OS which is valuable for daily tasks of a mainframe developer, thereby helping to build a foundation in mainframe development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Developer

Automation Engineer

An Automation Engineer designs, develops, and implements automated systems. This course helps build a foundation in scripting with REXX, a language designed for automation, which is directly relevant to this role. The course's focus on automating tasks in both Windows and z/OS environments, as well as its coverage of system interaction, makes it particularly useful. The practical exercises and assignments provide hands-on experience, which is crucial for those seeking a career as an automation engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer

System Administrator

A System Administrator is responsible for the upkeep and reliable operation of computer systems. This course is useful because it teaches how to interact with both Windows and z/OS environments using REXX. The ability to automate tasks and manage files on these systems, as covered in the course, aligns directly with the demands of a system administrator. The experience with system interaction and automation provided by this course helps build a foundation for a career in system administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator

Systems Programmer

A Systems Programmer is responsible for the maintenance and development of operating systems. This course may be helpful, as it provides direct experience with programming in the z/OS environment using REXX. The course covers how to interact with z/OS, including handling datasets and creating interactive panels which directly corresponds to tasks done by a systems programmer. This course also introduces automation, an important skill for streamlining system tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Programmer

Operations Analyst

An Operations Analyst monitors and improves operational processes within an organization. This course is useful because it provides a foundation in automation, which is a key aspect of streamlining operations. The course's focus on scripting with REXX, as well as how to manage files, execute commands, and interact with both Windows and z/OS, can help an operations analyst optimize workflows and make them more efficient. The course could help an operations analyst automate repetitive tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This course may be useful, particularly if the software engineer's work involves mainframe systems or requires scripting for task automation. The course covers REXX, a scripting language used in z/OS environments, which allows a software engineer to manage datasets and interact with the operating system more easily. The foundational programming concepts and practical exercises provided by this course may help a software engineer develop skills in this area.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Application Developer

An Application Developer designs and builds software. This course provides experience with REXX, a scripting language that can assist with development tasks in specific, though not all, environments. This course may be useful for application developers who work in environments that use REXX, especially those interacting with z/OS systems. The skills learned in this course will translate to streamlining processes and automating tasks which could help an application developer be more efficient in their role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs, builds, and manages the infrastructure for data processing. This course may be useful because it teaches how to work with files and move data from system to system. While REXX is not a primary language for data engineering, this course can help a data engineer automate tasks. The skills from this course are particularly relevant to work with z/OS and mainframe systems, helping a data engineer build a good foundation in this space.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Software Tester

A Software Tester analyzes and evaluates software to identify bugs and ensure quality. This course may be helpful because it provides a foundation in scripting and automation using REXX, which can be applied to create automated test scripts. This course may be particularly helpful for software testers working in mainframe environments, who can use REXX to automate their tasks, or to perform the testing itself.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer offers advanced technical support to customers. This course may be helpful since it introduces system interaction and basic automation with REXX, including file handling and command execution in Windows and z/OS. The ability to write scripts to diagnose issues and automate responses can be invaluable for a technical support engineer. The course covers a variety of environments which could prove useful in this role.

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IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist provides technical assistance and support to end users. While REXX is not a language commonly used by IT support staff, this course may be useful since it introduces automation and scripting. The course covers how to handle files and execute commands in Windows and z/OS, which are valuable skills for diagnosing problems and automating routine tasks. This course will help an IT support specialist build a basic foundation regarding those tasks.

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IT Consultant

An IT Consultant provides expert advice on information technology to organizations. This course may be useful for an IT consultant who works with mainframe systems. The course provides knowledge of REXX, a language used in mainframe environments, which helps an IT consultant understand and communicate more effectively in these contexts. The course covers practical tasks such as managing datasets and interacting with the z/OS operating system.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst analyzes data to identify trends and insights. This course may be useful since it teaches how to manage, process, and filter data using REXX in different environments, particularly in z/OS data sets. The skills of data manipulation and automation provided by this course can help a data analyst access and prepare data for analysis. This course also teaches file processing, which may help a data analyst move data from system to system.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer produces documentation for technical products and software. This course may be useful because it provides direct experience with a programming language and system interaction. The understanding of REXX and the ability to articulate technical processes gained from this course will help a technical writer more effectively create accurate and comprehensive documentation. The course's focus on different environments and system interaction may help a technical writer write about these subjects.

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Complete REXX course, from 0, for Windows and z/OS

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Comprehensive rexx for windows and z/os

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