Murach's CICS for the COBOL Programmer

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 633 pages
• Published by: Mike Murach & Associates
• Edition: 1st Edition January 15, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 189077409X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1890774097
• Book Dimensions: 9.9 x 8 x 1.7 inches
• Weighs: 2.9 pounds

Book Description
Join the more than 150,000 programmers who have learned CICS using our CICS books alone. Now, our two-part CICS for the COBOL Programmer has been revised into a single volume that meets todays need for fast-paced training. You get all the commands and features that are current today-plus, new chapters on creating web or component-based programs-in just 630, information-packed pages. Youll start off with the basics that you need for every CICS program you write:

how to use basic mapping support (BMS) to define the screens your programs use pseudo-conversational programmingwhat it is, why you have to use it, and how it complicates the logic in a COBOL program

the CICS commands for terminal handling, VSAM file handling, and program control

how to design a CICS program using event-driven design so its easier to code, test, debug, and maintain

how and when to use temporary storage queues instead of the communication area to pass data between program executions

how to use IBM-supplied transactions like CEMT, CECI, and CEDF to simplify testing and debugging

Then, youll see the design and code for a complete application consisting of four interrelated CICS programs…a great way to solidify your new CICS skills.

But thats not all. Youll also learn about the commands and techniques you need for special purposes. Like processing VSAM files sequentially. Accessing records by an alternate index. Handling DB2 data (this chapter assumes you already know DB2, so if you need some training, please see our DB2 books on pages 5-6). Scheduling a task for execution. Using the error recovery features that come into play when a task or CICS abends. Using the intercommunication features of CICS, including Distributed Program Link and EXCI, so that resources can be shared across remote systems. Handling outdated code as you maintain older programs.

Beyond the commands and coding features, however, there are two chapters of special interest for creating new applications:

how to design and code programs in which the presentation logic (the code that handles the interaction with the user at a terminal) is separated from the business logic (the code that processes the data)…This makes it feasible to create programs with front-ends in languages like Java or Visual Basic, leaving CICS on the back-end to do what it does best: process transactions

how to design and code CICS programs for the web (probably the most compelling reason for separating the presentation logic from the business logic)

So if youre new to CICS, youll learn the best development techniques as well as all the coding details for creating todays applications. If you have some CICS experience, youll add to your skills in record time. Either way, youll gain an understanding of CICS that makes it easier handle each new programming challenge. So get your copy of Murachs CICS for the COBOL Programmer today!

Book Info
Text for COBOL programmers, offering a complete guide to the latest versions of CICS, including CICS Transaction Server, as well as information for maintaining older, legacy systems. Shows how to create applications for the Web, and how to design, code and test modular programs. Also features 12 full programs to be used as models. Softcover. DLC: COBOL (Computer program language).

Reader Reviews
CICS for the COBOL Programmer is an update to Murach's two volume CICS set utilizing their "paired page" format that makes the material incredibly easy to read and use. The intended audience is experienced COBOL programmers who need to learn Command Level CICS programming, from basic concepts to writing moderately complex applications quickly. The first four sections introduce basic concepts and command syntax in a graduated style, so that at the conclusion the reader has been presented with all of the knowledge required to analyze the requirements, plan a structured design, and implement a moderately complex application consisting of several programs. The design techniques utilized incorporate the top-down structured approach that is most widely practiced in real world environments and is identical to that employed in Murach's Structured COBOL. Techniques for debugging abends are also presented. Chapters covering advanced file and database handling techniques follow the introductory sections. Advanced VSAM file handling presented includes browsing files and accessing VSAM files utilizing alternate indexes. An overview of working with DB2 databases is included, although developing proficiency in CICS/DB2 applications will most likely require acquisition of an advanced text concentrating on this specialized topic. The final section presents advanced CICS features and commands, such as concurrent task management, inter-region communication, distributed processing, and modular application development, including development of Web enabled CICS applications. Information is also included which may be necessary to maintain older CICS code, which may use now obsolete coding techniques. I am very pleased to see the addition of this title to Murach's catalog. It has troubled me that the textbook that I learned Command Level CICS from has been long out of print, along with a couple of additional introductory textbooks that I acquired across the years. Now there is a book available to recommend when I encounter someone who is trying to learn CICS. Comment | | (Report this)