Advanced Assembler Language Coding Workshop

This course provides instruction and practice in the use of the more complex S/390 Assembler Language facilities for the experienced assembler language programmer. The course includes a discussion of standard linkage conventions, use of BSAM/QSAM and selected system macros, the macro definition language, and reentrant coding considerations. Emphasis is placed on enhancing skills in problem resolution through analysis of more complex system-provided dumps.

Objective

• Identify data management considerations and access methods
• Code assembler language programs which:
• Conform to standard linkage conventions using save area chaining
• Define and use BSAM/QSAM datasets through standard I/O macros
• Define and execute user macros which contain:
• Positional and/or keyword parameters
• Fixed or variable entry parameter lists
• Conditional assembly logic
• Use variable length storage operations (that is, EX, MVCL, and so on)
• Employ more complex instructions (that is, TR, TRT, BXLE, and so on)
• Access JCL parameter data
• Employ LE date/time handling services
• Identify reentrant coding considerations and dynamic storage acquisition

Day 1
Welcome
Unit 1: Review
Unit 2: Assembler instructions
Unit 3: Linkage
Unit 4: LE date/time handling
Exercise 1: PARM handling and search

Day 2
Lab review
Unit 5: Access methods: BSAM/QSAM
Exercise 2: File handling

Day 3
Lab review
Unit 6: Assembler compile-time options
Unit 7: SNAP dumps
Unit 8: Macros and the Conditional Assembly Language
Exercise 3: Macro modification

Day 4
Lab review
Unit 9: Miscellaneous instructions
Unit 10: Floating point data
Unit 11: Reentrant coding
Class wrap-up

This course is designed for application programmers and beginning system programmers who code, maintain, and debug application support programs or subroutines written in S/390 assembler language.

You should be able to: Code and debug simple S/390 assembler language programs