After someone requests their credentials: here
The return email should direct them: here
and instruct them to (or suggest they) download the PDF Version of the class instruction manual (materials), COBOL Programming with VSCode. The free Acrobat Reader can be downloaded if needed to view the .pdf file. Note: The .md version is the official, up-to-the-minute updated version of the class materials. The .pdf version is generated from the .md version on a regular basis, so it may not reflect the most up-to-date changes. A version number/date to be published within the .pdf document has been proposed by project participants, so currently, it is not easily determinable if the .pdf version includes the absolute most recent updates and corrections made to the .md version.
Also a reminder to please follow the instructions, STEP by STEP and to always substitute their Z8xxxx id, issued above, in place of the example id, Z99998, wherever it is mentioned in the class instruction manual.
Also, the return email should include the following IP addresses needed for the course, and explain that the class instruction manual will explain when they will be needed:
IP address for VSCode extension: https://192.86.32.250:10443 <== This link is not meant to be clicked!
IP address for TN3270: 192.86.32.250 Port 623
IP address for IDz: 192.86.32.250 Port 4035
Additionally, the slack channel should be mentioned, for questions and discussion: here
FAQ:
- "I'm having a very hard time connecting with the mainframe. What should I do?"
Post your .yaml file in the Slack Channel Forum, but don't post any passwords. .yaml location: C:\Users<your Win Id>.zowe\profiles\zosmf\LearnCOBOL.yaml Hopefully, someone can help you spot the problem.
Try shutting down VSCode and relaunch.
If that doesn't work, shut down VSCode, try deleting the .yaml file, relauch and create a New Connection again. Eventually, it will work. Very buggy.
Also, you could have timed out, if you've connected before. Need to re-Authenticate. Shut down VSCode and relaunch.
If clicking on the "Refresh All" icon to the right of "DATA SETS" or the "Search Data Sets..." icon to the right of "LearnCOBOL" (also in the "DATA SETS" area) and nothing happens, try clicking on "LearnCOBOL" itself in the "JOBS" area. This version (v0.4.9) of Z Open Editor is buggy. If you receive, "Check Credentials" (Blue pop-up box appears), click it, re-authenticate at top. Ignore any "rse" error messages. Continue anyway.
Other things to try, watch this video. The presenter actually walks through the process, although I think it was with an older, more stable version of IBM Z Open Editor. Get hands on! Run a COBOL program - Webinar - Originally broadcast: 2020-04-24 - 40 minutes
- "How do I make numbers print properly?"
- "I've completed the course, now what?"
IBM Resources:
COBOL Fridays:
- A Beginner's Practical Approach to COBOL - Webinar presented by Prof. Tak Auyeung of American River College - Originally broadcast: 2020-04-17 - 1 hour (or on YouTube)
- Get hands on! Run a COBOL program - Webinar presented by Makenzie Manna - Originally broadcast: 2020-04-24 - 40 minutes (or on YouTube)
- Let's Talk Syntax - Cobol Syntax, Structure and File Handling Unique to Cobol - Webinar presented by Tom Ross, Captain COBOL - Originally broadcast: 2020-05-01 - 1 hour (or on YouTube)
- Let's Talk Syntax - Data Types and Handling Variables - Webinar presented by Dr. David Woolbright of Columbus State University - Originally broadcast: 2020-05-08 - 1 hour (or on YouTube)
- Let's Talk Syntax - Branching Logic - Webinar presented by Will Yates - Originally broadcast: 2020-05-15 - 1 hour (or on YouTube)
- Let's Talk Syntax - Intrinsic Functions - Webinar presented by Dr. David Woolbright of Columbus State University - Originally broadcast: 2020-05-22 - 1 hour (or on YouTube)
- Ready, Set, Code - Write your first COBOL Program (hands on)! - Webinar presented by Jeff Bisti - Originally broadcast: 2020-05-29 - 1 hour (or on YouTube)
- What’s next? Solve the COBOL puzzle - Webinar presented by Scott Cosel from UC Irvine - Originally broadcast: 2020-06-05 - 1 hour (or on YouTube)
- COBOL Treasures - What's new in COBOL for z/OS since V4.2 - Webinar presented by Tom Ross, Captain COBOL, promoted to Colonel COBOL - Originally broadcast: 2020-06-19 - 54 minutes (or on YouTube)
Next Cobol webinar: Friday, July 3, 2020, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Eastern Time:
Other Resources:
Additional Course Resources:
Restoring a Fresh Copy of Lab Data (or Cobol) Files:
- Download data file from Labs folder from: here then go to the command line and execute zowe zos-files upload file-to-data-set "data" "Z8XXXX.DATA" -b
More education from IBM:
History:
Internet resources:
Employment Opportunity - Cobol Programmers Needed Now!
I think what is happening, is people have found out about this course via all sorts of different methods, and there is no one place that has all of the above needed information. The return email would be a good place (although not the only place) where such information should/could be found.
Really enjoying the course and the Cobol Community that you have formed!
Keep up the good work!
Thank you,
ScottC