Mainframe, MVS and zOS Discussion

Hi,

I've some knowledge of working with VSAM with COBOL. But at this new company I've seen a very different way of using VSAMS. Like they call it as TBX tables and they have created screens using which they set-up the values in them. They are system wide tables. Have never seen VSAMs being used like this.

The question is, can you please tell where can I start learning the different aspects of VSAMs like a novice. Specially COBOL and VSAM programming and become better in to it. Any guidance is helpful.

I think practice is the only key. Start analyzing the existing code at your shop and write your own programs based on them, test, repeat.

Good Luck!

Is your TBX table actually a TermBase eXchange table? If so, you need to be aware that these tables are NOT part of VSAM and learning more about VSAM may not help you a whole lot with TBX tables.

A good starting point for learning about VSAM is the VSAM Demystified Redbook (SG24-6105) which you can find at http://www.redbooks.ibm.com (use the search box on the top right of the screen). This Redbook tells you almost everything you need to know about VSAM.