CICS Application Programming: Introduction and Workshop

CICS Overview

All aspects of the CICS architecture as they are relevant to the application developer will be presented in this topic.

CICS Resource Definition

In order to be able to use application programs under CICS, a set of definitions have to be made within CICS. In this session we will present the various definitions needed and will explain some of the key parameters that are used.

Preparing Online Programs

This chapter of the course concentrates on the technical aspect on how to prepare CICS online programs. This includes the general EXEC CICS syntax and the usage of the CICS translator. Also, certain language dependent requirements and restrictions are explained.

Basic Mapping Support

If there were no Basic Mapping Support, then probably there would not be any CICS application programming. We will explain how CICS maps are created and how they are used in application programs.

Online Program Structure

Online programs are principally different from batch programs. We will cover important design considerations, like dialog-oriented, conversational design versus transaction oriented, pseudo-conversational design and how this design can be realized in CICS applications

Program Management

Most CICS applications are not made from one single program, but a multitude of maps and programs, possibly even in different languages. There are several ways of invoking one program from another, with many ways of passing information back and forth. We will demonstrate the various uses of those techniques and will also explain the advantages (and drawbacks) of the various mechanisms.

Data Management

This large section of the course covers all aspects of CICS supported data access. This includes access to VSAM files as well as usage of temporary storage queues and transient data destinations.