Overview

This year we are presenting a massive update of the complete "no-charge" IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz) Entry Level Training courses. We have expanded our delivery range to make our sessions more accessible across geographies, and are delivering education sessions for both IDz on Eclipse and IDz on VS Code. These sessions will cover entry-level topics along with Experienced User topics such as Code Review, Code Coverage, Integration with Open Source DevOps tooling, and more.

The Entry Level Training consists of multiple hour-long modules that are delivered through interactive, instructor-led online sessions, which are an extremely effective training venue utilizing open Q&A, flexible class delivery, remote mentoring, greater absorption of the material, etc.

These sessions cover all of the skills and knowledge needed to master IDz, enabling you for high-productivity z/OS COBOL application work with the tools. Please note that there is no need to register for any of the classes. Simply follow the "Getting Started Notes" instructions below.

Also note that you may attend any session you'd like - from any iteration at any time. However the Entry Level classes are designed as sequenced educational content, with materials that build upon previous topics. It is recommended that you proceed through the courses from Module-1 thru Module-9 (see details below on the individual module topics).



Getting Started Notes

Important

It is imperative that when you participate in the session you put your phone on mute and leave it on mute throughout the training

  • Each module builds upon the last. It is highly encouraged for attendees to attend the entire track, rather than picking modules individually to attend.
  • The IDz on Eclipse and IDz on VS Code tracks are independent of each other. While there is value to each track, they do not build on each other.
  • There will be dozens of developers participating in each class
  • Background noise/talking/etc interferes with the learning and is distracting
  • You are encouraged to use the Teams chat feature to ask any/all questions throughout the training session
  • Note also that you must turn your PC/Laptop camera off during class - for the same reasons


IDz on Eclipse and IDz on VS Code User Training Schedule

Winter / Spring 2026 Sessions
Date & Time Topic
January 27th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz on Eclipse - Module 1 - Navigation
Class overview, Workspace installation & customization, IDz Terms & Concepts, Eclipse Navigation for ISPF Developers, DevOps Tooling overview, Split-Screen, Use of multi-windowed views, Overview of Program Control Flow, Bookmarks, and more.

January 28th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz on Eclipse - Module 2 - IDz Editing and Code Development Tools & Techniques
IDz code editors & development productivity techniques, ISPF emulation: Command line commands/Prefix area commands, Hot Key definitions, Editing source with embedded Hex characters, JCL editing, IDz's source download and program model, and Content Assist ("look-ahead typing").

February 3rd, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz on Eclipse - Module 3 - Program Analysis Tools
ISPF Search techniques (expanded), IDz graphical tools for: Logic Flow and program execution analysis, Graphical & declarative tools for Data Flow and impact analysis (within a single program), Various built in language Filters.

February 4th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz on Eclipse Module 4 - Remote Systems 1
Connect to your shop's test LPAR and navigate libraries and data sets. Locate files in large PDSs, Copy files from Mainframe <-> PC <->Mainframe. Search Remote libraries using powerful tools that allow you to access "found" source files with your mouse.

February 10th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz on Eclipse Module 5 - Remote Systems 2
Learn to utilize MVS File Filters and Retrieve Data Set for effective organization and access of z/OS resources. Create, configuring and customize Property Groups for SYSLIB (COPY and INCLUDE search path definitions), PROC Search Path and Called Module Search Path d efinitions Utilize Property Groups with: Show Dependencies and Remote Syntax Check.

February 11th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz on Eclipse Module 6 - the ISPF 3.x Data Set Utilities and JES
This module instructs on the data set utility features of IDz that are available from the ISPF 3.x dialogs: File allocation, File rename, File delete, Library compress, VSAM File create, GDG Model and GDG Data Set create . Batch Job management and interactive CLIST/REXX support is also part of Module 6. An introduction to Menu Manager is presented.

February 18th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz on Eclipse Module 7 - DB2/SQL
This module is an overview of the new Db2 for z/OS tooling integration for IDz. View SQL files, run SQL, look at embedded SQL, and more.

February 19th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz on Eclipse Module 8 - Debug
Batch debugging features and techniques, including JCL to launch Debug, program animation features, break points, variable monitors/changing variable values dynamically. High-level Online debug is included in this module upon attendee request.

February 24th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST IDz on VS Code Module 1
Class overview, workbench customization, IDz on VS Code Terms & Concepts, Navigation for ISPF Developers, DevOps Tooling overview, Use of multi-windowed views, Overview of recommended extensions, and more.


February 25th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST IDz on VS Code Module 2 - Git Configuration
Learn how Git integrates in to VS Code and basic Git functionality within VS Code. Clone a repository, access working tree files, push changes, and more.


March 3rd, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST IDz on VS Code Module 3 - Accessing Remote Source
Use Zowe Explorer extension to connect to MVS LPARs and navigate libraries and data sets. Locate files in large PDSs, Search Remote libraries using powerful tools that allow you to access "found" source files with your mouse, access USS, Show in Resources table.


March 4th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST IDz on VS Code Module 4 - Editing Code
Edit source files using Zowe Explorer and the VS Code Editor, Go To Definition, Refactor, Format, use the graphical outline view, and more.

March 10th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST IDz on VS Code Module 5 - Analyzing Code
Use COBOL Language support extensions to analyze logic flow, peek at data definitions, find all references.

March 11th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST IDz on VS Code Module 6 - Compiling and Building Code
Use VS Code extensions to compile and build code. This session is theoretical demonstration only as build is highly dependent on the environment.

March 17th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST IDz on VS Code Module 7 - Debug
Use VS Code extensions and editor features to set up a debug profile and debug COBOL code.