Programming with VSAM Files

Course Objectives
Whilst covering the basics of VSAM programming and how it is used, this Course also aims to give an insight into different types of VSAM files. On completion of this Course the student will be able to:

• Understand and define VSAM files in a program
• Correctly code VSAM data access in a program

Course Details
SELECT / ASSIGN STATEMENT
VSAM Select / Assign Statement
FILE DEFINITION
VSAM File Definition
OPEN STATEMENT
Opening VSAM Files
READING AND RID FIELDS
Specifying Key Fields for a VSAM Dataset
VSAM File Direct Access
VSAM File Sequential Access
VSAM File Alternate Index Data Access
START STATEMENT
Positioning the File Pointer within a VSAM File
WRITE STATEMENT
Inserting Records into a VSAM File
Placement of Records
REWRITE STATEMENT
Updating Records on a VSAM File
Updating Restrictions
DELETE STATEMENT
Deleting Records from a VSAM File
CLOSE STATEMENT
Closing a VSAM File
FILE STATUS CHECKING
Checking the VSAM File Status
Course Environment Development will be performed using:

• IBM Mainframe

Course Format: Practical sessions make up a large part of the course, allowing delegates to demonstrate and reinforce the lectures given. During these sessions the delegate will gain experience of writing and testing different types of COBOL or PL/1 programs accessing the various VSAM datasets available. Examples are used extensively, ranging from simple code snippets to full applications with complete 'real world' functionality. These are supplied at the start of the course and it is encouraged that the delegates execute and 'experiment' with these under the instructor's guidance as they are introduced. These examples are available to take away, along with the delegate's own work. The comprehensive Student Guide supplied is fully indexed serving as a useful reference tool long after the course has finished. Delegates will also be able to access a free help-line with technical questions relating to topics covered on the course.