COBOL Dump Reading & Problem Determination, from "A Batch Perspective"

 LENGTH OF COURSE:
 2 Days

DESCRIPTION: The course will concentrate on advanced techniques and problem determination. The course is designed to teach the student the techniques and facilities available for performing problem determination in a batch environment. This course will increase the skill level and productivity of the COBOL Programmer/Analyst.

PREREQUISITES: Knowledge of COBOL programming and basic debugging.

INSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: A combination of Lecture, Exercises, and Labs (when/where available).

AUDIENCE

This course is designed for the student that has experience with COBOL in a production setting.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Introduction to batch problem determination
    • Overview of problem determination
    • Techniques to resolve problem
    • Steps involved
    • What is needed to begin problem determination
  • The COBOL Program in Memory
    • Understanding the program executable components
    • Linkage components
    • Layout of Working Storage including:
      • Base Locators for Working Storage
      • Locators and displacements
      • The literal pool and usage
      • Tips for quickly finding BLW cells
  • Understanding the Linkage Section
    • Using the Base Locators for Linkage
    • How to locate BLL Cells
    • Purpose of the BLL Cells
    • Locating the Task Global Table
    • Linking the BLL cells to the program variables


  • The format of the batch program dump
    • What to look for and where
    • Finding your application program Load Point and Entry Point
    • Using the condensed listing of verbs to link your program to the dump
    • Key components of the dump
  • How to use key
  • Resolving the abend quickly
  • Abend types and meaning
  • Common Problems
  • Locating bad data in the linkage section of the program and working storage
  • Using Register Assignments
    • Standard Register Assignments
    • Subprograms and parameters
  • COBOL compile options and debugging techniques
  • New features and facilities
  • Review of the ABEND Cook Book
  • Using an ABEND Cook Book for problem determination
  • Common Tips and Techniques for problem determination


FROM OUR STUDENT EVALUATIONS...
"Great course! The instructor was very knowledgeable and used many examples. The handouts and course material will be useful for reference in the future."

Tony Taylor
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

Return to Home Page.
Return to Alphabetic Listing of Courses.
Return to Courses by Subject.
Request More Information or Contact Us.