Course Overview
About Course
Mainframe Application Developers are essential in large organizations—banks, insurance firms, governmental bodies—where core systems rely on mature, scalable infrastructure. This 40‑hour Mainframe Developer Training equips participants with both foundational and advanced skills across programming, database interaction, transaction processing, and automation on IBM z/OS.
You begin in the z/OS environment, mastering TSO/ISPF navigation and connecting to real mainframe labs . Modules on COBOL—renowned for its readability and enterprise utility—teach structured programming, file handling, and program debugging . JCL skills enable you to define, schedule, and manage batch jobs, while VSAM training covers essential dataset patterns used for high-performance file access
Next, DB2 modules introduce relational data management with embedded SQL, and show how to seamlessly integrate with COBOL—and later with CICS for real-time online transactions . The CICS segment explores transaction architecture, command-level interaction, screen flow design, and troubleshooting.
Scripting with Rexx teaches automation of routine tasks within TSO/ISPF environments . Also included is optional exposure to IMS, giving insight into hierarchical DB and DC transaction managers .
Modernization features include Zowe—a web, CLI and REST API framework that bridges legacy systems and modern DevOps tooling
Culminating in a capstone project, participants deliver a full-stack mainframe application: design COBOL logic, orchestrate batch and online workflows, automate utilities, and deploy via JCL. Designed for aspiring mainframe developers, COBOL programmers, or systems integrators, the course balances legacy technology with modern practices. Graduates emerge ready for Mainframe Developer roles, with competencies validated through IBM/Coursera credentials . The training also supports career growth, with placement assistance and access to a growing mainframe community
Course Syllabus
- Introduction & Environment Setup (4 hrs)
- Goal: Understand the mainframe ecosystem (IBM z/OS, z/Architecture) and access tools.
- Topics: z/Architecture overview; TSO/ISPF navigation; connecting to IBM z/OS lab environment
- COBOL Fundamentals (4 hrs)
- Goal: Learn COBOL syntax and coding structure.
- Topics: Data vs Procedure DIVISIONs, files, conditional logic, compiling and debugging COBOL programs
- JCL & Batch Job Processing (4 hrs)
- Goal: Master Job Control Language for batch execution.
- Topics: JOB/EXEC/DD statements, cataloged/in-stream procedures, utilities, JES2 job flow
- VSAM & File Handling (4 hrs)
- Goal: Manage high-performance datasets.
- Topics: KSDS, ESDS, RRDS creation, access methods, dataset backup and utilities .
- DB2 Database Programming (4 hrs)
- Goal: Integrate COBOL with DB2 for data persistence.
- Topics: SQL DDL/DML, host variables, DB2 embedded SQL, CICS-DB2 interaction
- CICS Transaction Programming (4 hrs)
- Goal: Build online transaction-based systems.
- Topics: CICS regions, map/transaction definitions, exec CICS commands, debugging
- Rexx Scripting & Utilities (4 hrs)
- Goal: Automate TSO/ISPF tasks via scripting.
- Topics: Rexx syntax, ISPF integration, utilities automation
- IMS Fundamentals (Optional) (4 hrs)
- Goal: Introduction to IMS hierarchical database and transactions.
- Topics: DL/I calls, IMS DC/DB programs .
- Zowe & Modern Tooling (4 hrs)
- Goal: Use modern open-source tools for mainframe dev.
- Topics: Zowe Explorer, CLI, REST API integration
- Capstone Project & Best Practices (4 hrs)
- Goal: Integrate all skills into a real-world application.
- Topics: Develop COBOL + DB2 + CICS + JCL + Rexx; debugging and deployment.
-
Key Features
- Hands‑on labs: Live COBOL coding, JCL jobs, DB2 queries, CICS transactions, script automation.
- Live instructor sessions: Expert-led teaching with Q&A and debugging support.
- Capstone project: End-to-end development including batch and online integration.
- Certification alignment: Prepares for IBM and Coursera Mainframe Developer credentials
- Modern tooling: Includes Zowe for bridging legacy and DevOps workflows.
- Resources & placement: Course materials, recordings, job support—industry placement aid
Our Upcoming Batches
At Topskill.ai, we understand that today’s professionals navigate demanding schedules.
To support your continuous learning, we offer fully flexible session timings across all our trainings.
Below is the schedule for our Training. If these time slots don’t align with your availability, simply let us know—we’ll be happy to design a customized timetable that works for you.
Training Timetable
| Batches Online/Offline | Batch Start Date | Session Days | Time Slot (IST) | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week Days (Virtual Online) | Aug 28, 2025 Sept 4th, 2025 Sept 11th, 2025 | Mon-Fri | 7:00 AM (Class 1-1.30 Hrs) | View Fees |
| Week Days (Virtual Online) | Aug 28, 2025 Sept 4th, 2025 Sept 11th, 2025 | Mon-Fri | 11:00 AM (Class 1-1.30 Hrs) | View Fees |
| Week Days (Virtual Online) | Aug 28, 2025 Sept 4th, 2025 Sept 11th, 2025 | Mon-Fri | 5:00 PM (Class 1-1.30 Hrs) | View Fees |
| Week Days (Virtual Online) | Aug 28, 2025 Sept 4th, 2025 Sept 11th, 2025 | Mon-Fri | 7:00 PM (Class 1-1.30 Hrs) | View Fees |
| Weekends (Virtual Online) | Aug 28, 2025 Sept 4th, 2025 Sept 11th, 2025 | Sat-Sun | 7:00 AM (Class 3 Hrs) | View Fees |
| Weekends (Virtual Online) | Aug 28, 2025 Sept 4th, 2025 Sept 11th, 2025 | Sat-Sun | 10:00 AM (Class 3 Hrs) | View Fees |
| Weekends (Virtual Online) | Aug 28, 2025 Sept 4th, 2025 Sept 11th, 2025 | Sat-Sun | 11:00 AM (Class 3 Hrs) | View Fees |
For any adjustments or bespoke scheduling requests, reach out to our admissions team at
support@topskill.ai or call +91-8431222743.
We’re committed to ensuring your training fits seamlessly into your professional life.
Note: Clicking “View Fees” will direct you to detailed fee structures, instalment options, and available discounts.
Don’t see a batch that fits your schedule? Click here to Request a Batch to design a bespoke training timetable.
Corporate Training
“Looking to give your employees the experience of the latest trending technologies? We’re here to make it happen!”
