Mainframe: The Complete JCL Course from Beginner to Expert from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Create your own jcl and execute it.
Ultimate package of source code of at least 20 utilities and jcl.
To clear the jobs interview on jcl

Compile a cobol program and run it using a jcl
Understand job, exec and dd statements and code it by yourself
Master the keyword and positional parameters

Create your own jcl and execute it.
Ultimate package of source code of at least 20 utilities and jcl.
To clear the jobs interview on jcl
Compile a cobol program and run it using a jcl
Understand job, exec and dd statements and code it by yourself
Master the keyword and positional parameters

Syllabus

By end of this section, students will know what is a JCL and Why JCL is used. They will understand the structure of a JCL. Student will create their first JCL to execute a COBOL program.

Welcome and Congratulations

By the end of this lesson, students will understand the process background idea on how to connect to Mainframe from our local operating system.

A Note to all my students

By the end of this section, students will be able to connect to the older version of Mainframe computer which is MVS 3.8J

How to connect to Mainframe server using any other free emulator

About Mainframe id

Let us understand the JOB and JCL

This lecture gives an overview of a JOB

By the end of this lesson, you will understand what is a JCL. Why it is used for. How a typical JCL looks like

There are some students who does not know the basic commands in Mainframe

Special note about this Section

This lesson shows basic TSO/ISPF commands.This is for those students who does not know TSO/ISPF

This lesson is for those who does not know how to create dataset in mainframe.This enables students to be confident on creating datasets.

In this Section, Students will be able to explore about all the Statements in JCL. The 3 Statements in JCL are - JOB, EXEC and DD Statements. JOB,EXEC and DD statements are coded and shown in detail.

Code JOB Statement

Code EXEC Statement

Code DD Statement

In this Lesson, Students will learn how to execute first JCL to run a utility

By the end of this lesson, student will create the first JCL. The student will be able to compile a COBOL program and will run it through a JCL

Students will be confident about SPOOL operations and how to see the output of job is covered in detail.

By the end of this section, student will be able to create all the Parameters in JOB Statement and EXEC Statement

First thing first: JCLS coded in this course

By the end of this lesson, student knows what is CLASS parameter and how to code it.

By the end of this lesson, student knows what is the use of MSGCLASS. They will be able to code their own MSGCLASS based on their requirement.

By the end of this lesson, student knows what is the use of MSGCLASS Parameter in JCL.

In this lecture, students will be able to code their TYPRUN parameter for syntax checking or for avoiding deadlock.

By the end of this lesson, student will code their own PRTY parameter in JCL.

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to create a JCL with NOTIFY parameter and without NOTIFY Parameter. They will be able to submit the JCL with both these options and will be able to differentiate between these two.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to code the RESTART parameter in JCL.

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to code a new JCL with RESTART parameter.

By the end of this lesson, student know where to include a program in a JCL through PGM parameter.Student already learned about creating the first JCL. This lecture will further provide additional reference while creating a JCL

By the end of this section, student will be able to code their own REGION parameter in JOB card as well as at STEP. The student will understand the value of REGION parameter in Job Control Language

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to understand to code the correct TIME parameter at JOB level and STEP level.

In this lesson, students will code JCL with different TIME parameter and see the difference.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to code ACCT parameter in a JCL and PROC. They will be able to code the ACCT Parameter at JOB as well as EXEC level both

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to code PARM parameter in a JCL and PROC

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to create a JCL with PARM Parameter to run a COBOL Program.Students are expected to know basic COBOL program in order to practice this example.

By the end of this section, student will be able to create a working JCL with all the important parameters.

By the end of this section, student will be able to understand the difference between keyword and positional parameter. Student will be able to code their first DSN parameter in JCL as well.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to code the DISP parameter in their JCL. They know the difference between various options in DISP Parameter

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to code a JCL with DISP Parameter and will visualize the results

By the end of this course, students will be able to code the proper SPACE Parameter in the JCL.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to code UNIT and VOLUME Parameter in the JCL

By the end of this lecture, students will code their own DCB Parameter in JCL.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to understand the COND parameter.

In this section, student will be able to explore various options on COND parameter

In this lecture, students will code COND parameter in JCL and see the result.

By the end of this course, students will be able to see how storage dumps works. They can include the dumps in the JCL they will run if they have access.

Lets code ADDRSPC Parameter in JCL

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to code their own SYSIN and SYOUT Parameters. They will understand the different between SYSIN and SYSOUT as well.

By the end the this section, students will be able to code the PROCEDURES(PROCS) by their own.

By the end of this lecture, students will be confident about the basics of PROCEDURE

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to code In-Stream Procedures in JCL

By the end of this lecture, the student will be able to code Catalog Procedure in JOB.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to code a symbolic parameter in JCL. They will be confident on overriding the values in a PROCEDURE from JCL using symbolic parameters.

By the end of this section, students will be able to be confident on creating a GDG. They will be able to create GDG with various options, alter a GDG and Delete a GDG as well.

By the end of this lecture, students will be confident about GDG.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to create a GDG Base and a generation.They will be confident on creating a GDG Base using a utility called IDCAMS.

Note about LIMIT, EMPTY and NOEMPTY

In this section, students will learn about generations in GDG. They will be confident to create generations in GDG after taking up this lecture.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to alter the properties of a GDG

In this lecture, students will be able to confidently delete a GDG.

By the end of this section, students will be able to explore all the libraries in JCL. These libraries includes JOBLIB, JCLLIB, STEPLIB and COPYLIB

By the end of this lecture, students will create their own JOBLIB library

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to create their STEPLIB library. They will be understand the difference between STEPLIB and JPBLIB as well.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to create a JCL with JCLLIB library defined it it.

By the end of this lecture, students will be able to include the COPYLIB in JCL(if they have a copylib member defined for a program).

This Section is for those who have a copy of ZOS operating system(mostly corporate employees). They will learn how to install ZOs Operating system on Hercules

A special note about ZOS

Let us Connect to Mainframe in our local computer using Hercules

Bonus Lecture: Let us stay connected

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core JCL skills required for a variety of roles within the mainframe industry

Teaches real-world JCL skils that are applicable to corporate environments

Provides a comprehensive review of JCL, starting from the basics and gradually diving into advanced topics

Features high-quality course materials that are not easily accessible elsewhere

Taught by an expert with over 20 years of experience in JCL training and development

Comes with lifetime access and regular course updates, ensuring learners stay up-to-date

Reviews summary

Comprehensive jcl tutorial for beginners

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive foundation in JCL for beginners. It effectively introduces basic concepts and gradually progresses to advanced techniques. Students widely appreciate the instructor's clear and engaging teaching style.

Solid intro to JCL for newbies

"great for beginners"

Starts from basics to advanced topics

"gradually progresses to advanced techniques"

Instructor explains concepts well

"instructor is clear and engaging"

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: The Complete JCL Course from Beginner to Expert with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Maximize your learning by organizing and reviewing the notes, assignments, and other materials provided in this course to reinforce your understanding.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials
Organize materials by topic or section
Review materials regularly to refresh your memory and reinforce key concepts

Review Mainframe Concepts

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Establish a solid foundation for understanding JCL by reviewing core concepts of mainframe computing, architecture, and operating systems.

Browse courses on Mainframe Computing

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Read introductory articles or books on mainframe computing
Explore online resources and tutorials that explain mainframe architecture and operating systems
Review documentation from IBM or other vendors on MVS and JES

Review JCL

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Refresh your knowledge and understanding of JCL to set a solid foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Job Control Language

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Review notes and handouts from previous courses or workshops
Explore online resources and articles to refresh your understanding of JCL syntax and commands

Six other activities

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Practice Creating JCL

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Reinforce your understanding of JCL through hands-on practice, solidifying your ability to create and execute JCL statements.

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Recreate the JCL examples from the course materials and execute them on a mainframe emulator
Create JCL to perform simple tasks, such as compiling and executing a COBOL program
Experiment with different JCL parameters to observe their effects

Explore JCL Resources and Tutorials

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Expand your knowledge of JCL by exploring tutorials and documentation to deepen your understanding of advanced concepts.

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Follow online tutorials that cover specific JCL topics, such as JES, MVS, and TSO
Consult the IBM Knowledge Center for detailed documentation on JCL syntax and parameters
Review vendor documentation for specific mainframe platforms and JCL implementations

Develop a JCL Cheat Sheet

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Enhance your retention and quick reference by creating a personalized cheat sheet that summarizes key JCL statements, parameters, and concepts.

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Create a table or list that includes commonly used JCL statements
Summarize the purpose, syntax, and options for each statement
Include examples and explanations to illustrate the usage of each statement

Join a JCL Study Group

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Engage with fellow learners to exchange knowledge, discuss JCL concepts, and collaborate on problem-solving.

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Join online forums or communities dedicated to JCL
Organize regular meetings or study sessions with other students
Collaborate on practice exercises and share solutions

Attend a JCL Workshop

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Gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge by participating in a structured JCL workshop led by an expert instructor.

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Identify and register for relevant JCL workshops offered by training providers
Attend the workshop sessions, participate in exercises, and engage with the instructor
Follow up after the workshop by practicing what you learned and seeking additional resources

Develop a JCL-Based Project

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Solidify your understanding and demonstrate your proficiency in JCL by developing a project that involves creating, executing, and analyzing JCL statements to achieve specific goals.

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Identify a practical problem or task that can be solved using JCL
Design a JCL solution that addresses the problem or task
Create and execute the JCL
Analyze the results and document your findings

Career center

Learners who complete Mainframe: The Complete JCL Course from Beginner to Expert will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mainframe Systems Analyst

Mainframe Systems Analysts who specialize in JCL are responsible for the design, development, testing, and implementation of computer systems on mainframe computers. They analyze user requirements, design system architectures, and write code to implement system logic. This course provides a comprehensive overview of JCL, the job control language used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge is essential for success as a Mainframe Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Systems Analyst

Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmers write, test, and maintain computer programs on mainframe computers. They use a variety of programming languages, including JCL, to develop systems that meet the needs of their organizations. This course provides a solid foundation in JCL, which is a key skill for Mainframe Programmers. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge will help them to be successful as Mainframe Programmers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Operator

Mainframe Operators monitor and control the operation of mainframe computers. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and they resolve any problems that arise. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is essential for Mainframe Operators. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge will help them to be successful as Mainframe Operators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Operator

Data Center Technician

Data Center Technicians maintain and repair computer hardware and software in data centers. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and they resolve any problems that arise. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Data Center Technicians who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Technician

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They analyze user requirements, design system architectures, and write code to implement system logic. They may also work with other IT professionals to ensure that systems are integrated and running smoothly. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Computer Systems Analysts who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of their clients. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Software Engineers who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Technology Consultant

IT Consultants help businesses to improve their use of technology. They analyze business needs, design and implement technology solutions, and train users on new systems. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for IT Consultants who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Consultant

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks are running smoothly and efficiently, and they resolve any problems that arise. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Network Administrators who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and efficiently, and they resolve any problems that arise. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Database Administrators who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and software. They answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and resolve issues. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Technical Support Specialists who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Project Managers who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers plan, organize, and direct the operations of an organization. They ensure that operations are running smoothly and efficiently, and they resolve any problems that arise. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Operations Managers who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets the required quality standards. They work with developers to identify and fix bugs, and they provide feedback to improve the quality of the software. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Quality Assurance Analysts who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts design, implement, and manage security measures to protect an organization's information systems. They work with a variety of security technologies and procedures to ensure that systems are secure from unauthorized access and attacks. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Information Security Analysts who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization. They work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement risk management strategies. This course provides a basic understanding of JCL, which is used to manage mainframe systems. Students will learn how to create and execute JCL, use the three main JCL statements - JOB, EXEC, and DD - and code a variety of parameters. This knowledge may be helpful for Risk Managers who work with mainframe systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager