z/OS Essentials: Foundations for Mainframe Development

Get started with IBM’s z/OS platform and gain the foundational knowledge needed to navigate, program, and work effectively in a mainframe environment.

Course Objectives

• Understand the architecture and core components of IBM z/OS.
• Navigate TSO/ISPF and work with common datasets and commands.
• Write, submit, and troubleshoot JCL jobs.
• Use SDSF to monitor job output and system logs.
• Establish a solid foundation for COBOL, DB2, and CICS development tracks.

Course Overview

This course introduces learners to the z/OS operating system and the essential tools, interfaces, and workflows used in mainframe development environments. With a focus on hands-on navigation and real-world usage, learners will become confident in accessing and interacting with mainframe resources using TSO/ISPF, JCL, and core utilities. Perfect for new hires, cross-training IT staff, or anyone preparing to support z/OS-based systems.

Sample Module: Navigating TSO/ISPF

This module guides learners through accessing the z/OS system using TSO (Time Sharing Option) and navigating the ISPF interface to browse datasets, edit members, and use utilities.

Lesson: Submitting Your First JCL Job

In this lesson, learners will create a simple JCL script to copy a dataset, submit the job through ISPF, and verify the output using SDSF. Key terms and best practices are introduced throughout.