This course covers all the major aspects of programming using the zSystem Assembler language. The course leads the student through the fundamentals of the zSystem architecture with emphasis on programming requirements and all aspects of programming using the assembler language. The following topics are covered:

Part I System/390 Architecture

Deals with data representation and those architectural aspects related to programming in assembler. The following topics are covered:

• Numbers Systems : Data formats, addresses, fixed-point and floatingpoint binary numbers. The EBCDIC encoding schema. Number representation in binary and hexadecimal.
• System Architecture : Instruction processing and instruction formats.
• Operand addressing for both primary and access register modes using both 24-, 31- and 64-bit addresses.

Part II Basic Assembler

Introduces the assembler language programming languages. The following topics are covered:

• Assembler Language: A description of the assembler and its facilities.
• Assembler Instructions: Describes the basic assembler instructions and their use.
• Machine Instructions: A description of a subset of the problem program instruction repertoire of the architecture.
• Macro Instructions: Explains the use and function of macroinstructions.
• Programming Conventions: An overview of program prologues, epilogues and subroutine linkage in both ESA and non-ESA environments.
• Assembler Programming: The assembler programming environment with respect to save area conventions and the linkage stack. Incorporates a set of basic programming assignments.

Part III Advanced Assembler

Introduces the assembler language programming languages. The following topics are covered:

• Macro Processor: An overview of the macro processor facilities.
• Programming Techniques: A description of a subset of the extended machine and assembler instructions. In additional an overview of the ESA environment with special emphasis on re-entrant, bi-modal, cross memory services and AR-mode programming techniques.
• Programming Projects: A set of projects designed to guide the student through several programming techniques using the basic and extended instructions.

METHODOLOGY AND PLATFORM

More that two thirds of the course is dedicated to hand-on practical work. The latter revolves around the development of a set of Assembler programs to implement a set of given algorithms. The computer platform used is zOS.

OUTCOMES

At the completion of the course the learner will be able to:

• Design, maintain and develop programs in System Z Assembler Language

ASSESSMENT

Assessment processes are built into the course for learners as part of our commitment to life-long learning. Formative assessment is carried out during the training via Course Activities. Summative assessment commences after the training in the form of a written knowledge questionnaire and if applicable, the practical assignment that the learners are required to complete as part of their course content. Learners will receive a certificate of competence on successful completion of the course.

MATERIAL

The following material is supplied:

• A full set of notes covering the course outline.
• A short reference manual.
• A CD containing the solutions to the problems in the course.

PREREQUISITES

System Z Architecture Overview