
Introduction to CICS
Differences Between Online and Batch Applications
In this Video, we cover how to create a MAP (screen/page) in CICS using key BMS macros such as DFHMSD, DFHMDI, and DFHMDF.
I explained, What are the maps/screens that will be created in this course.
Login page
Calculator screen
Calculator screen with Function keys
Bank application page.
We explore various types of fields—including Unprotected, Protected, and Autoskip fields—and provide examples using different sample maps. Additionally, we discuss the purpose and commonly used operands of the DFHMSD macro.
In this video, you will learn:
How to practically create a Login MAP (screen) using BMS macros in CICS
The MAP compilation process and how to submit it using JCL
Common compilation errors and step-by-step instructions to identify and fix them
How to verify the map output directly in the CICS region
Understanding and usage of key IBM-supplied CICS transactions:
CEDA – for installing and defining the mapset
CECI – for interactively testing the map
CEMT – for checking and controlling map and program status
A complete end-to-end walkthrough from writing the map to testing it in a live CICS environment
This session is designed to give hands-on clarity for beginners and intermediate learners working with CICS BMS Maps.
In this video, you will learn:
How to design a Calculator MAP (screen) to be used within a CICS application
This MAP is used to build an online application program that performs calculator operations through user interaction
Steps to create the calculator interface using Assembler BMS macros (DFHMSD, DFHMDI, DFHMDF)
How to write and compile the associated Assembler program logic for calculator functionality
Fixing common compilation errors and tips for successful assembly and link-edit steps
How to define the program and MAPSET in CICS using CEDA
How to execute and test the calculator program in a live CICS region
Using CECI and CEMT transactions to test and monitor the program and map behavior
A complete walkthrough from screen creation to executing calculator logic in CICS using Assembler
In this video, you will learn:
How to design a Calculator MAP (screen) using BMS macros for online CICS applications
This MAP is used to build an online calculator application program using COBOL
How to implement calculator logic with functions (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) in the COBOL program
How to handle function keys (like PF keys) in the COBOL logic to trigger specific operations or actions
Step-by-step process to create the screen using DFHMSD, DFHMDI, and DFHMDF macros
How to compile and link-edit the COBOL program
Tips to identify and fix common compilation errors
How to define the program and MAPSET in CICS using CEDA
How to execute and test the calculator program in the CICS region
Usage of CECI and CEMT transactions to verify and monitor the application in action
SKIPPER and STOPPER techniques
In this video, you will learn:
How to create a simple user bank application screen using BMS macros in CICS
The MAP includes 4 key input/output fields:
Customer Number
Customer Name
Customer Address
Customer Balance
This MAP is used to build an online COBOL program that interacts with users through the CICS region
Step-by-step creation of the screen using DFHMSD, DFHMDI, and DFHMDF macros
How to compile and link-edit the COBOL program that processes user data
Tips to handle compilation errors and ensure a smooth build
Defining the MAPSET and COBOL program in CICS using CEDA
How to run and test the bank application in a live CICS environment
Usage of CECI and CEMT transactions for testing, monitoring, and verification
This session is ideal for learners who want to understand how to develop real-time, form-based online applications in CICS using COBOL.
In this video, you will learn:
How to write an online application program using COBOL and CICS
Explanation of Conversational vs. Non-Conversational programs in CICS
Complete end-to-end development process, including:
Writing the COBOL+CICS program
CICS translator
Compiling and link-editing the program
Identifying and fixing compilation
How to define:
PPT (Program Processing Table) entry using CEDA
PCT (Program Control Table) entry using CEDA
How to run and test the program in the CICS region
How to refresh or reload the program in CICS using CEMT after modifying the source code
This session provides a practical understanding of building, deploying, and managing COBOL+CICS online programs in a real-world mainframe environment.
In this video, you will learn:
How to handle runtime errors (exception handling) in COBOL+CICS programs
Practical demonstration of exception handling techniques commonly used in CICS applications
Detailed explanation and usage of:
HANDLE CONDITION – to intercept and process CICS errors
NO HANDLE – to suppress automatic error handling for specific commands
IGNORE CONDITION – to explicitly ignore certain conditions without program termination
RESP/RESP2 – to manually check and respond to command return codes
In this video, you will learn:
How to write an online application program in COBOL+CICS by integrating with a previously created Login MAP
Step-by-step process of linking the screen (MAP) with the COBOL program logic
How to receive input from the user (e.g., username/password) through the map and process it in the program
Flow of data between MAPSET and application program using BMS RECEIVE and SEND commands
How to compile, link-edit, and install the program in the CICS region
How to define necessary entries using CEDA (PPT & PCT)
How to run and test the login program in a live CICS environment
Tips on modifying and refreshing the program in CICS after changes
In this video, you will learn:
How to use and implement a Calculator MAP (screen) within a COBOL+CICS online program
How to process basic calculator functions like add, subtract, multiply, and divide
How to handle function keys (PF keys) in the COBOL program to perform specific operations based on user input
How to receive and validate input from the calculator screen using BMS and COBOL logic
Writing the COBOL program logic to map screen inputs to functional calculations
How to compile, link-edit, and install the calculator program in the CICS region
How to define the program and MAPSET using CEDA
How to test the program and function key responses in a live CICS session
In this video, you will learn:
How to use XCTL and LINK commands in COBOL+CICS to transfer control between programs
How to handle MAPFAIL errors without using HANDLE CONDITION, RESP, and handling with DFHBMFSE to prevent abnormal ends
Introduction to MDT (Modified Data Tag) and its importance in detecting user-modified fields on the screen
How MDT works in protected/unprotected fields
How it relates to BMS RECEIVE operations and MAPFAIL conditions
Overview of Pseudo-Conversational Programming in CICS:
What it is and why it’s needed
How it helps manage terminal and memory resources effectively
Techniques to break large programs into smaller, manageable modules using XCTL/LINK and pseudo-conversational flow
In this video, you will learn:
What is Pseudo-Conversational Programming in CICS and why it’s essential for online application development
How to use DFHCOMMAREA to pass data between CICS program executions
Understanding the use of RETURN with TRANSID and the role of EIBCALEN in determining whether data is present in DFHCOMMAREA
Working with ASKTIME and FORMATTIME to retrieve and format current date and time
Practical techniques for date and time handling within online COBOL+CICS programs
How to create a VSAM file and integrate it into an online application program
In this video, you will learn:
How to perform file handling in CICS using a VSAM KSDS file
Real-world scenario: Implementing file operations in a bank application
How to write a COBOL+CICS program to:
READ data from a VSAM file
WRITE (ADD) new records
UPDATE existing records
DELETE records based on a key
How to define FCT (File Control Table) entries using CEDA
Enabling access modes like READ, UPDATE, DELETE, BROWSE in CICS
End-user driven data entry and updates through screen (MAP)
Compiling and deploying the COBOL program with VSAM integration
Testing file operations live in the CICS region using a bank use case
This session is designed for learners who want practical, hands-on experience with VSAM file operations in COBOL+CICS applications.
In this video, you will learn:
How to perform file handling in CICS using a VSAM KSDS file
Real-world scenario: Implementing file operations in a bank application
How to write a COBOL+CICS program to:
READ data from a VSAM file
WRITE (ADD) new records
UPDATE existing records
DELETE records based on a key
How to define FCT (File Control Table) entries using CEDA
Enabling access modes like READ, UPDATE, DELETE, BROWSE in CICS
End-user driven data entry and updates through screen (MAP)
Compiling and deploying the COBOL program with VSAM integration
Testing file operations live in the CICS region using a bank use case
This session is designed for learners who want practical, hands-on experience with VSAM file operations in COBOL+CICS applications.
Explore sequential reads in CICS DB2 integration with start browse, read next, and read previous to traverse records, and implement this COBOL program logic.
In this video, you will learn:
How to integrate DB2 with CICS using COBOL and SQL
Defining RCT (Resource Control Table) entries for enabling DB2 in CICS
Creating a DB2 table based on fields from a screen (MAP), such as:
Customer Number
Customer Name
Address
Balance
Writing COBOL+CICS programs with embedded SQL commands, including:
INSERT – Add new records to the DB2 table
SELECT – Retrieve and display customer data on the screen
UPDATE – Modify existing record details
DELETE – Remove records based on customer number or condition
Steps to compile, bind, and execute a COBOL+CICS+DB2 program
Real-time testing of SQL operations using user input from the online screen (MAP)
Handling SQL errors and checking SQLCODE for validation and debugging
In this video, you will learn:
Introduction to Temporary Storage Queues (TSQ) in CICS
Concept of paging logic — how to manage and display large sets of data across multiple screens
Practical demonstration of:
Creating and writing to a TSQ
Reading data page by page
Navigating between pages using PF keys (Next/Previous)
How TSQ helps implement efficient scrolling/pagination logic in online COBOL+CICS programs
Introduction to Transient Data Queues (TDQ):
Differences between TSQ and TDQ
Use cases and processing types (INTRA vs. EXTRA-partition)
When to use TSQ vs. TDQ in real-world CICS applications
In this video, you will learn:
Introduction to Temporary Storage Queues (TSQ) in CICS
Concept of paging logic — how to manage and display large sets of data across multiple screens
Practical demonstration of:
Creating and writing to a TSQ
Reading data page by page
Navigating between pages using PF keys (Next/Previous)
How TSQ helps implement efficient scrolling/pagination logic in online COBOL+CICS programs
Introduction to Transient Data Queues (TDQ):
Differences between TSQ and TDQ
Use cases and processing types (INTRA vs. EXTRA-partition)
When to use TSQ vs. TDQ in real-world CICS applications
Delves into CICS mainframe concepts, covering macros, maps, creation and compilation, transactions, COBOL and KCS programs, online versus batch applications, exception handling, subprogram calls, file I/O, and basic paging logic.
Learn to design CICS maps for mainframe screens, using dfh macros to define login pages with auto skip, protect, and unprotect fields, and to manage messages and headers.
Design, compile, and validate mainframe maps end-to-end using the Kix region, creating symbolic and physical maps, copy books, JCL, and CSI steps with Keda definitions.
Learn to design a CICS map by declaring date, time, and three-digit N1 and N2 fields with numeric constraints, input/output handling, and color highlighting and skipper stopper techniques for validation.
Learn to control data entry in CICS maps with skipper and stopper techniques, using auto skip and map attributes to prevent overflow and guide user input.
Learn to build online CICS applications using Kix commands, translating to COBOL calls, and executing with translator, compile, link edit, PPT/PCT entries, and region debugging.
Explore cobol runtime error handling with handle condition, ignore condition, and response to manage length, map fail, and program id errors.
Explore how COBOL and CICS integrate using symbolic copy books, map sets, and input/output fields; implement send/receive, field validation, and basic error handling for credentials.
Demonstrates a cobol calculator on a mainframe using the b19 mp3 map, with fields n1, n2, opr, validating operators, converting numeric data, and displaying results via messages.
Explore static, dynamic, symbolic, and relative cursor techniques in COBOL maps, including MDT handling and using DF BM FSC to manage unprotected fields during map receive.
Learn how to invoke sub programs in CICS using XC under link and return with the transaction ID, and pseudo conversation techniques for data exchange between main and sub programs.
Explore pseudo conversation technique three in CICS mainframe development, using one ppt and one pct entry to optimize memory and performance, and manage transaction IDs, maps, and end-user output.
Unlock your career in mainframe development with this hands-on course in CICS and COBOL-based online application programming. Whether you're a beginner or a developer transitioning from batch to online systems, this course will guide you through the essentials of real-time transaction processing on IBM mainframes.
What You'll Learn:
Understand CICS and its role in online application development
Learn the differences between online and batch processing
Design user interfaces using BMS macros: DFHMSD, DFHMDI, and DFHMDF
Create and compile CICS maps/screens step-by-step
Work with IBM-supplied tables like PPT, PCT, RCT, FCT, DCT
Explore IBM-supplied transactions: CEDA, CEMT, CECI, CESN, CESF, and more
Build COBOL programs integrated with CICS for transaction handling
Learn compile, link-edit, and translator processes in CICS development
Understand conversational, non-conversational, and pseudo-conversational programs
Handle function keys and create responsive screen logic
Implement error and exception handling using HANDLE CONDITION, No Handle, RESP, IGNORE, etc.
Control program flow using XCTL and LINK and RETURN with Transaction ID
Perform file handling operations in online applications
Integrate DB2 databases in CICS applications (with recorded session)
Use Temporary Storage Queues (TSQ) and Transient Data Queues (TDQ) effectively
Understand paging logic for managing multi-page outputs (with recorded session)
Debug and troubleshoot using tools in a CICS region
Get hands-on experience and gain the confidence to work in real-world mainframe environments. Start building online applications like a pro — enroll today!