z/OS: VSAM Fundamentals

Course Overview

This is a workshop with a mix of theory and practical session. Delegates are given the opportunity to practice data set creation and perform other functions from the IDCAMS repertoire. At the completion of this course, students will know and understand the structure of VSAM data sets, how to create them, how to manage them and how to list and interpret catalogue information.

Audience

This course is for IT professionals requiring an understanding of basic VSAM structures and the capabilities of the Access Method Services utility IDCAMS.

Skills Gained

This is a workshop with a mix of theory and practical session. Delegates are given the opportunity to practice data set creation and perform other functions from the IDCAMS repertoire. At the completion of this course, students will know and understand the structure of VSAM data sets, how to create them, how to manage them and how to list and interpret catalogue information. All students will be able to:

• Explain why VSAM is important to a number of sub-systems and products.
• Explain the general syntax and structure of the statements used by the IDCAMS utility.
• Explain the terms associated with VSAM data sets, including data set types.
• Create data sets of each type.
• List the catalogue for acquiring varying amounts of information.
• Create and populate an alternate index.
• Manipulate data sets in terms of archiving, changing attributes, copying, printing and renaming.
• Explain the impact of different buffer assignments, and resolve conflicts between batch and online use.

Examinations

Suitable for the BCS Mainframe Technology professional Exams for level 1 Assistant (Production and Support) and Level 2 (Operations Analysis)

Prerequisites

Knowledge of how to use TSO/E ISPF to edit and run work is required. Attending our TSO/ISPF course is recommended.

Course Outline

• VSAM Overview
• Access Method Services
• Defining Data Sets
• Data Set Structure
• Listing catalogue information
• Data set management
• Alternate indices
• Integrity, and Performance
• Relationship with Programming Languages