Vendors

This course is designed to teach how to manage VSAM and non-VSAM data sets by coding and using the functions and features of the Access Method Services program, IDCAMS.

To reinforce the lecture material, machine exercises are provided that enable students to code and test selected IDCAMS commands such as DEFINE, REPRO, ALTER, and LISTCAT.

Learn to manage Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) and non-VSAM data sets. Particularly emphasize coding and using the functions of the IDCAMS program. Lab exercises enable you to code and test selected IDCAMS commands, such as DEFINE, REPRO, ALTER, and LISTCAT.

Hands-On Labs

Eight labs are included to address:

IDCAMS commands, including ALTER, DEFINE, CLUSTER, EXPORT, IMPORT, EXAMINE, LISTCAT, REPRO, and PRINT tuning VSAM and the VSAM buffers alternate indexes
img-course-overview.jpg

What You'll Learn

  • Understand the structure and use of VSAM data sets or clusters
  • Code IDCAMS commands to define and load VSAM clusters
  • Code IDCAMS commands to define and load alternate indexes
  • Code IDCAMS commands to list, alter, and delete catalog entries
  • Code IDCAMS commands to print data sets
  • Calculate the Direct Access Storage Device (DASD) space requirements for VSAM clusters
  • Code the Job Control Language (JCL) for IDCAMS and programs which process VSAM clusters
  • Use IDCAMS and JCL options to improve the performance of a VSAM job
  • Reorganize, back up, and recover VSAM and non-VSAM data sets
  • Interpret an IDCAMS listing of an Integrated Catalog Facility (ICF) catalog
  • Select and use the appropriate documentation to utilize VSAM and IDCAMS

Who Should Attend

This is an intermediate course for individuals who manage data sets using IDCAMS and VSAM.

img-who-should-learn.png

Prerequisites

You should complete:

  • z/OS Facilities (ES15)
  • z/OS Job Control Language and Utilities (ES07) or
  • Fundamental System Skills in z/OS (ES10)
  • Or have equivalent experience

Learning Journey

Coming Soon...

1. Introduction to VSAM data sets

  • Describe the structure, organization, and use of VSAM clusters
  • Explain the function of Control Intervals (CI) and Control Areas (CA)
  • Describe the purpose of CI splits and CA splits and how they are accomplished
  • Estimate DASD space requirements for various cluster types

2. ICF catalogs

  • Discuss the use of the ICF catalog
  • Describe the structure, purpose, and basic contents of the master catalog
  • Describe how the master catalog is located at initial program load (IPL) time
  • Discuss the structure, purpose, and basic contents of user catalogs
  • Create the ICF catalogs
  • Describe the catalog search
  • Discuss and create the two types of alias

3. IDCAMS commands, part 1

  • Discuss the IDCAMS program
  • Code the JCL to run IDCAMS
  • Code the DEFINE CLUSTER command to create specific VSAM data set organizations
  • Code the LISTCAT command to format and print entries from the catalog

4. JCL for VSAM

  • Explain the creation and deletion of VSAM clusters using JCL and the DFSMS data class facility
  • Describe the additional JCL parameters that support VSAM clusters
  • Discuss the purpose of data class
  • Explain the assignment of data class through JCL and the Automatic Class Selection (ACS) routines

5. IDCAMS commands, part 2

  • Describe the function of REPRO, PRINT and DELETE commands
  • Use REPRO to load and back up a VSAM cluster
  • Use PRINT to print a VSAM cluster in various formats
  • Use DELETE to remove the catalog entry for the data set and scratch the data set from the volume
  • Describe and code modal commands to provide for conditional execution of Access Method Services (AMS) statements

6. Buffering

  • Explain how buffer space may impact performance either positively or negatively
  • Explain the use of data and index buffers in sequential processing and direct processing
  • Evaluate the use of JCL Access Method Parameters (AMP) keywords to manage buffers
  • Code the buffer keywords on the Dataset Definition (DD) statement

7. VSAM integrity and security

  • Explain how integrity and security is maintained
  • Discuss the meaning and use of SHAREOPTIONS
  • Discuss the need for serialization of updates to a data set
  • Describe how ENQ/DEQ macros are used to serialize data set updates in multiregion and multisystem environments
  • Explain the impact of buffering and SHAREOPTION modifications
  • Explain VSAM record level sharing
  • Use the VSAM integrity and security options: RECOVERY, ERASE, VERIFY, and passwords
  • Compare VSAM passwords with Resource Access Control Facility (RACF) security

8. Tuning

  • Explain the use of CI and CA FREESPACE
  • Discuss the performance impact of cache
  • Describe the space allocation process with KEYRANGES and multivolume data sets
  • Explain the contents of an Index CI
  • Explain how VSAM key compression works

9. IDCAMS ALTER

  • Explain the basic functions of the ALTER command
  • Code the ALTER command to modify options for processing existing VSAM objects
  • Code the ALTER command to modify options for buffering, FREESPACE,SHAREOPTIONS and passwords

10. Alternate indexes

  • Describe the reasons for using an alternate index
  • Discuss the basic contents of an alternate index
  • Use a PATH to process base cluster records directly and in alternate key sequence
  • Define and load an alternate index
  • Explain the impact of SHAREOPTIONS when opening a base cluster and associated alternate indices
  • Explain programming and JCL considerations

11. Advanced functions and extended format data sets

  • Explain VSAM advanced functions, extended format data sets, and their major features
  • Explain data stripping
  • Explain compression
  • Explain multivolume allocation options
  • Explain extended addressability
  • Explain system managed buffering
  • Explain partial space release
  • Explain space constraint relief


12. Data set reorganization, backup, and recovery

  • Describe the need for data set backup
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of REPRO
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of EXPORT / IMPORT
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of DFSMS Data Set Services (DFSMSdss) DUMP / RESTORE
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of DFSMS Hierarchical Storage Management (DFSMShsm) HBACKDS / HRECOVER
  • Discuss backup frequency
  • Determine when reorganization is required
  • Code the AMS commands for backup, recovery, and reorganization

13. Linear Data Sets (LDS)

  • Describe Data-In-Virtual (DIV)
  • Explain the structure and use of LDS
  • Explain the use of the DIV macro to access LDS
  • Discuss candidates for LDS

14. Management and problem analysis aids

  • Explain the use of the DCOLLECT command to gather management and planning information about the storage subsystem
  • Discuss tools used to identify and trace VSAM errors
  • Code the AMS EXAMINE command to test the structure of a Key Sequenced Data Set (KSDS)
  • Interpret EXAMINE output to determine how to recover from a KSDS structural error
  • Invoke the Generalized Trace Facility (GTF) to track VSAM-related events
  • Invoke utilities to print GTF trace output

15. Local and global shared resources

  • Explain techniques to conserve virtual storage by sharing buffers and control blocks
  • Discuss the concept of shared resource pools
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Local Shared Resources (LSR)
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Global Shared Resources (GSR)Describe macros that control use and allocation of shared resources
  • Discuss how to specify and monitor shared buffer allocation in CICS and Information Management System (IMS)

16. CICS VSAM recovery

  • Describe the major functions of CICS VSAM recovery
  • Explain the concept of transaction processing, backup, and recover
  • Explain how to implement and manage CICS VSAM recovery

17. Application coding considerations

  • Describe VSAM processing terminology
  • Define various VSAM processing options
  • Explain the merge of catalog entries, JCL parameters, and program definitions that determine processing options
  • Discuss VSAM programming support, and JCL requirements in Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL), Programming Language One (PL/I), and Assembler languages
  • Describe JCL and programming requirements for COBOL, PL/I, and Assembler languages

This course is not associated with any Certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Why get IBM certified?

    IBM certifications validate your skills and expertise in a wide range of technologies, including hybrid cloud, data & AI, security, IT infrastructure, and business applications.

    These certifications are globally recognized and can help you advance your career, increase your earning potential, and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

    IBM-certified professionals are in high demand, making them valuable assets to any organization seeking to leverage IBM's innovative solutions.

  • What to expect for the examination?

    IBM offers a variety of certification exams at different levels (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced) covering various technologies and job roles.

    Exams typically consist of multiple-choice questions and may include scenario-based questions that assess your ability to apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

    Note: Certification requirements and policies may be updated by IBM from time to time. We apologize for any discrepancies; do get in touch with us if you have any questions.

  • How long is IBM certification valid for?

    The validity period of IBM certifications varies. Some certifications, particularly those focused on specific product versions or technologies, may have expiration dates.

    However, many IBM certifications, especially those focused on broader skills or newer technologies, do not have an expiration date.

    Note: Certification requirements and policies may be updated by IBM from time to time. We apologize for any discrepancies; do get in touch with us if you have any questions.

  • Why take this course with Trainocate?

    Here’s what sets us apart:

    - Global Reach, Localized Accessibility: Benefit from our geographically diverse training hubs in 24 countries (and counting!).

    - Top-Rated Instructors: Our team of subject matter experts (with high average CSAT and MTM scores) are passionate to help you accelerate your digital transformation.

    - Customized Training Solutions: Choose from on-site, virtual classrooms, or self-paced learning to fit your organization and individual needs.

    - Experiential Learning: Dive into interactive training with our curated lesson plans. Participate in hands-on labs, solve real-world challenges, and take on comprehensive assessments.

    - Learn From The Best: With 30+ authorized training partnerships and countless awards from Microsoft, AWS, Google – you're guaranteed learning from the industry's elite.

    - Your Bridge To Success: We provide up-to-date course materials, helpful exam guides, and dedicated support to validate your expertise and elevate your career.

Keep Exploring

Course Curriculum

Course Curriculum

Training Schedule

Training Schedule

Exam & Certification

Exam & Certification

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

img-improve-career.jpg

Improve yourself and your career by taking this course.

img-get-info.jpg

Ready to Take Your Business from Great to Awesome?

Level-up by partnering with Trainocate. Get in touch today.

Name
Email
Phone
I'm inquiring for
Inquiry Details

By submitting this form, you consent to Trainocate processing your data to respond to your inquiry and provide you with relevant information about our training programs, including occasional emails with the latest news, exclusive events, and special offers.

You can unsubscribe from our marketing emails at any time. Our data handling practices are in accordance with our Privacy Policy.