Overview

This year we are presenting several iterations of the complete (no-charge) IDz Entry Level Training courses, along with Experienced User topics such as Code Review, Code Coverage, Integration with Open Source DevOps tooling, etc.

The Entry Level Training consists of multiple hour-long hands-on-workshop modules that are delivered through interactive, instructor-led web-conferences ... 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 & 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

  • Each of the Entry Level classes is (roughly) one hour in length - and there is no enrollment needed.
    • You will need to provide the instructor with your email address during the first module - in order to communicate questions, assignments, tips/techniques, errata, etc.
    • There is a short workshop setup process needed for the hands-on labs. See the table below in the Setup section for details- and please try to finish this before attending Module 1.
  • The Microsoft Teams link (web conference link) for all classes is: https://ibm.biz/distance-learning-classroom
    • The Microsoft Teams meeting ID is: 294 075 380 443 8, and the passcode (if prompted) is: Lq3ag6sG.
    • Audio is provided through phone or VOIP
  • Additional details on each Module are listed at the bottom
  • Typically the instructor will be available 10 minutes before each session - to assist with individual questions & answers

Important

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

  • 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



Setup

For entry level hand's-on learning - download these files and follow the setup instructions in the table:

Download URL Files & Setup Instructions
https://community.ibm.com/community/user/ibmz-and-linuxone/viewdocument/education-workspace?CommunityKey=b0dae4a8-74eb-44ac-86c7-90f3cd32909a&tab=librarydocuments 1. Education Workspace - for demo/trial. Download and unzip this file onto your PC if you would like to access the source that is referenced in the lectures. It contains all of the programs/copybooks/JCL/etc. that are referenced in the learning material.
https://early-access.ibm.com/software/support/trial/cst/welcomepage.wss?siteId=1206&tabId=3186&w=1 2. Class Exercises for each Module. Request a Z Trial lab environment to get hands on with the product.
https://community.ibm.com/community/user/ibmz-and-linuxone/viewdocument/pdfs-for-the-entry-level-training-m?CommunityKey=b0dae4a8-74eb-44ac-86c7-90f3cd32909a&tab=librarydocuments 3. Class learning documents (PDFs) Download and unzip these files into a directory. You will use this as IDz reference material throughout the class.



IDz/ADFz and IDz on VS Code User Training Schedule

Autumn / Winter 2025 - IDz/ADFz and IDz on VS Code Entry Level Training
Date & Time Topic
September 22nd, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz Entry-Level Training - 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.


September 23rd, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST VS Code Module 1
Class overview, workbench customization, VS Code Terms & Concepts, Navigation for ISPF Developers, DevOps Tooling overview, Use of multi-windowed views, Overview of recommended extensions, and more.



September 29th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz Entry-Level Training - 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").


September 30th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST 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.



October 6th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz Entry-Level Training - 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.


October 7th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST 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.



October 14th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz Entry-Level Training 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.


October 15th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST 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.


October 21st, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz Entry-Level Training 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.


October 22nd, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST VS Code Module 5 - Analyzing Code
Use COBOL Language support extensions to analyze logic flow, peek at data definitions, find all references.


October 28th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz Entry-Level Training 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.


October 29th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST 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.


November 3rd, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz Entry-Level Training 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.


November 5th, 10:05 AM - 10:45 AM EST VS Code Module 7 - Debug
Use VS Code extensions and editor features to set up a debug profile and debug COBOL code.


November 10th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST IDz Entry-Level Training 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.





Entry-Level Training - Individual Module/Class Agenda (Details)

Module 1: The IDz Workbench and introduction to Eclipse for ISPF Developers

Module 2: Editing Program Source

Module 3: Analyzing COBOL Programs

Module 4: Introduction to IDz Remote Systems’ Features

Module 5: Dataset Access and Organization

Module 6: ISPF 3.x Options, Batch Job Submission & Management

Module 7: Git

Module 8: The DB2 and SQL Data Tools

Module 9: Debugging z/OS COBOL Applications using IDz