z/Architecture Assembler Language Part 3: Working Programs

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z/Architecture Assembler Language Part 3: Working Programs

This course is part of z/Architecture Assembler Language Specialization

Instructor: Jeff Bisti

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6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Describe the different addressing/residency modes (24/31/64)
Code Assembler language programs which: Conform to z/OS conventions, Employ standard macros, and Use various Assembler Language statements
Code assembler language programs that define and use QSAM datasets through standard I/O macros (DCB, OPEN/CLOSE, GET/PUT)
Use variable length storage operations (CLCL, MVCL) and more complex instructions (EDMK, TR, TRT)

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This course is part of the z/Architecture Assembler Language Specialization

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There are 6 modules in this course

Welcome to z/Architecture Assembler Language Part 3: Working Programs, the third course in the three part series.

In the first two courses of this series, you learned about the z/Architecture Assembler language syntax and machine instructions. This course presents topics a programmer needs to know to write working application programs in Assembler language, such as addressing modes, calling other programs, performing I/O operations, additional Assembler instructions, and some complex but useful machine instructions and utilizes hands-on labs. By the end of this course, you will be able to: - Code Assembler language programs which: - Conform to z/OS conventions - Employ standard macros such as CALL, SAVE, RETURN - Use various Assembler Language statements such as AMODE, EQU, DSECT, ORG - Describe the different addressing/residency modes (24/31/64) - Code assembler language programs that define and use QSAM datasets through standard I/O macros (DCB, OPEN/CLOSE, GET/PUT) - Use variable length storage operations (CLCL, MVCL) - Use more complex instructions (EDMK, TR, TRT) This is an intermediate course, intended for learners with a background in computer science and professionals that require Assembler knowledge on IBM Z. Before taking this course, you should have completed the first and second courses in the three part series, z/Architecture Assembler Language Part 1: The Basics and z/Architecture Assembler Language Part 2: Machine Instructions. To complete the labs, you need basic knowledge of TSO/ISPF and JCL. In particular, you should know how to: - Logon to TSO - Edit a file with the ISPF editor - Submit a job - View a job's output in SDSF You can learn about TSO/ISPF in the course Getting Started on Mainframe with z/OS Commands and Panels.

In this module, you’ll build a strong foundation in working with addresses in Assembler. You’ll learn how LOAD and LOAD ADDRESS instructions work, explore how addressing modes (24-bit, 31-bit, and 64-bit) impact program behavior, and understand how memory is accessed and managed in z/OS. Through examples and practical scenarios, you’ll also learn how to define addresses, use expressions, and apply these concepts when working with real programs.

What's included

11 videos3 readings1 assignment1 app item

11 videosTotal 70 minutes

Introduction2 minutes
LOAD ADDRESS - Part 15 minutes
LOAD ADDRESS - Part 25 minutes
LOAD ADDRESS - Part 37 minutes
Addressing Modes - Part 115 minutes
Addressing Modes - Part 24 minutes
Addressing Modes - Part 35 minutes
Defining Addresses - Part 18 minutes
Defining Addresses - Part 27 minutes
Part 1 : Getting Connected 4 minutes
Part 2 : Passwords and Console Issues 8 minutes

3 readingsTotal 28 minutes

Course overview15 minutes
Instructions for performing eLab3 minutes
Exercise Guide10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Module 1 Quiz - Addresses and addressing modes15 minutes

1 app itemTotal 60 minutes

Lab Exercises 1 and 260 minutes

In this module, you’ll learn how to write cleaner and more maintainable Assembler code by using powerful directives like EQU, DSECT, and ORG. You’ll explore how to assign meaningful names to values, map complex memory structures, and control how data is organized in memory. Through practical examples and hands-on lab exercises, you’ll see how these techniques improve code readability, reduce errors, and simplify program maintenance.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment1 app item

In this module, you’ll learn how to structure Assembler programs using subroutines and program calls. You’ll explore how branch-and-save instructions manage control flow, how programs interact with each other in z/OS, and how to follow standard calling conventions. Through hands-on labs, you’ll also apply save area techniques and macros to preserve program state and write cleaner, more maintainable code.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment1 app item

8 videosTotal 63 minutes

Calling Subroutines5 minutes
BRANCH AND SAVE: Part 110 minutes
BRANCH AND SAVE - Part 26 minutes
Calling other programs - Part 18 minutes
Calling other programs - Part 24 minutes
Save areas13 minutes
Macros6 minutes
Wrapping Up Subroutines10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Calling other programs15 minutes

1 app itemTotal 60 minutes

Exercise 460 minutes

In this module, you’ll learn how Assembler programs perform input and output operations using sequential data sets. You’ll explore how to read and write records using macros like GET and PUT, how datasets are described and accessed, and how JCL connects your program to system resources. Through examples and lab review, you’ll see how these concepts come together in real-world applications.

What's included

3 videos1 assignment1 app item

In this module, you’ll explore powerful machine instructions used to process and manipulate data in Assembler programs. You’ll learn how to format values, control loops, move and compare large data sets, and transform or validate strings using instructions like MVCL, TRANSLATE, and TRT. Through hands-on labs and examples, you’ll see how these instructions are applied in real-world scenarios to build efficient and reliable programs.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment1 app item

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Instructor

Jeff Bisti

8 Courses50,906 learners

Offered by

IBM

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