In this practical training, participants learn to use the PL/I programming language in order to write and maintain applications in PL/I. The participants will learn to write, test and execute programs.

After having followed this course:

• participants know the complete PL/I syntax;
• participants are able to develop, to debug and to execute PL/I programs in a z/OS environment.

The debugging and interpretation of compilation listings is also explained.

• General introduction:
  • History - PL/I program: first introduction
• Different aspects of PL/I:
  • Declaration of data elements
  • Complex data structures
  • RECORD input/output
  • Program flow: DO WHILE/UNTIL, IF THEN .... ELSE, SELECT
  • External and internal subroutines
  • Function manipulation
  • Exception handling
  • Treatment of files for input and output (sequential files)
• Compiler and Linker options - Run:
  • The complete application development cycle from Source to Load Module is treated, some attention is given to the PL/I compiler and the Linkage Editor. The most frequent compiler options are discussed.
  • The execution stage including guide lines for testing and debugging are treated in detail.

Classroom instruction with exercises (60% of the time).

Delivered as a live, interactive training – available in-person or online, or in a hybrid format. Training can be implemented in English, Dutch, or French.

Participants should have some programming experience or otherwise have followed the course Programming fundamentals). Some familiarity with the TSO/ISPF environment is required (see course ISPF/PDF basics).

Programmers who want to write PL/I programs.