IBM Z Mainframe Lab

Mastering enterprise computing, mainframe operations, and security on the IBM Z platform.

---

Table of Contents

• About
• Project Structure
• Usage / How to Use
• Features / Highlights
• Technologies Used
• Contributing
• License
• Contact

---

About

This repository documents my journey through the IBM Z Xplore learning platform. The project focuses on mastering the IBM Z mainframe environment, a critical infrastructure running 70% of the world's global banking transactions.

My goal with this lab is to demonstrate hands-on proficiency with legacy and modern mainframe technologies, specifically focusing on how these systems integrate with modern DevOps pipelines and security protocols (RACF, USS).

Upcoming Additions: Advanced Badge Challenges.

---

Project Structure

ibm-z-mainframe-lab/
├── LICENSE
├── README.md
└── 01-fundamentals/
    ├── 01-vsc1/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 01-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 02-files1/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 02-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 03-jcl1/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 03-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 04-uss1/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 04-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 05-code1/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 05-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 06-rexx1/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 06-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 07-wrapup/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 07-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    └── README.md
└── 02-advanced/
    ├── 01-asm1/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 01-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 02-uss2/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 02-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 03-pds1/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 03-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 04-pds2/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 04-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    ├── 05-asm2/
    │   ├── screenshots/
    │   ├── 05-visual-guide.md
    │   └── README.md
    └── README.md

---

Usage / How to Use

This portfolio is organized sequentially, following the IBM Z Xplore challenge map:

1. Fundamentals (Folders 01-07): Covers the basics of connecting to the mainframe, navigating z/OS, and running initial jobs.

Each folder contains a README with screenshots of the exercise and the actual code snippets (JCL, REXX, Python) used to solve the challenges.

---

Features / Highlights

• Hybrid Skillset: Showcases ability to work with both "Green Screen" (TN3270) interfaces and modern VS Code extensions (Z Open Editor).
• Automation: Includes REXX scripts and JCL (Job Control Language) to demonstrate batch processing capabilities.
• Enterprise Security: Documentation on RACF (Resource Access Control Facility) and data privacy controls essential for financial sectors.
• UNIX Integration: Practical examples of using UNIX System Services (USS) to run modern languages like Python on legacy hardware.

---

Technologies Used

• Operating System: z/OS
• Languages: JCL, REXX, Python, Bash
• Tools: VS Code, Zowe Explorer, IBM RSE API, TN3270
• Concepts: RACF Security, LPARs, Virtualization, DB2

---

Contributing

Not open for contributions. This is a personal learning portfolio.

---

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

---

Contact

Paarth Pandey LinkedIn | GitHub | paarthdxb@gmail.com

---

Author: Paarth Pandey

IBM Z Xplore Learning Path