SW746: Using IBM Debug Tool V4.1 to Monitor and Test z/OS Applications

27 July 2005

IBM Debug Tool is an interactive source-level debugging tool. It helps to examine, monitor, and control the execution of application programs written in C/C++, COBOL, PL/I, or Java on a z/OS or z/VM system.

Debug Tool supports the debugging of application programs in various subsystems including CICS, IMS, and DB2. Debug Tool compiles application programs with the TEST compile option on, and depending on the execution environment, it will link-edit the appropriate object modules. The TEST runtime option starts the Debug Tool session. A variety of different logic paths can be tested within a short period of time. Debug Tool also gives you the ability to directly manipulate variables in storage during a debugging session.

This Web-based training course will help you to:

Understand the IBM Debug Tool product, its features, setup, and architecture

Describe the basic features and functionality of Debug Tool Utilities (MFI (3270) interface, remote debug (GUI) interface)

Locate the critical elements and capabilities within Debug Tool and Debug Tool Utilities Interface DT (U&AF)

Prepare Cobol programs to debug

• Show a walkthrough example, consisting of a COBOL program compilation utilizing Debug Tool with the TEST(NONE,SYM,SEPARATE) compile option enabled: Show the compiling of the Job Control Language (JCL) and the critical Data Definition (DD) statements; Describe the special data that will be used later by Debug Tool.
• Show a walkthrough example, consisting of a PL1 program compilation utilizing Debug Tool with the TEST(ALL,SYM) compile option enabled.
• Describe the TEST compile option for COBOL and PLI compilers, and why different sub-parameters of the TEST option might be used.

Analyze batch programs with Debug Tool

• Describe the TEST run-time LE parameter in detail.
• Describe the various sub-parameters, what they do, and suggested use.
• Show a walkthrough example, utilizing DTSU to initiate an MFI session.
• Step through some basic debugging commands.
• Show a walkthrough example, utilizing the VTAM connect feature with an MFI session.
• Show a walkthrough example of the remote debugger, highlighting the following: Starting Remote Debug listener on the workstation; Getting the TCP address; The basic functions of the Remote Debugger interface.

Analyze a CICS program with Debug Tool

• Use the DTCN transaction to request a DT MFI session.
• Execute the application to the point the MFI session starts.
• Use the DTCN transaction to request a DT Remote Debug session.
• Execute the application to the point the Remote Debug session starts.
• Describe how to set breakpoints when a subroutine is called, in MFI and in the Remote Debugger.

Manage JOB card

Define a JOB card for batch processing

Prepare a program to compile and link-edit using your settings and data set name patterns

Create and manage setup files, saving you time when you are debugging a program that needs to be restarted multiple times

Achieve complete test coverage by utilizing Coverage Utility (DTCU) to report which code statements have been executed

Understand dynamic management of language environment run-time options and parameters for debugging IMS applications in a private message region or debugging IMS BMP programs

Manage user and system settings, and setup files used to prepare your programs

• Register now or sign in using your IBM ID and password.

This self-paced, Web-delivered course is divided into six modules each of which contains a lecture in the form of an independent reading. This course consists of three core modules, an introduction module, an overview module and a summary module:

Course Introduction

Debug Tool Overview

Preparing and debugging Cobol and PLI programs

• Overview and introduction
• Prepare a program for debug
• Prepare a debug job
• The TEST compile option and its effect
• Debug in batch mode
• Debug out of a program
• Summary

Working with Debug Tool utility

• Overview and introduction
• Set options
• Prepare to debug
• Link the set options and the preparation together with Debugging
• Debug a program
• Summary

Debug CICS transaction

• Overview and introduction
• Prepare Cobol programs for CICS
• Link the prepatation of COBOL for CICS and Debugging together
• Debug a CICS program
• Summary

Course Summary

Audience

This course is designed for software developers, architects and project leaders.

Objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to:

• Describe basic features and functions of IBM Debug Tool.
• Prepare and debug Cobol and PLI programs.
• Prepare and use Cobol programs for CICS.
• Debug CICS programs and transactions.
• Prepare a program for Debug.
• Prepare a Debug job.
• Understand the TEST compile option.
• Debug in batch mode.
• Using the Debug Tool out of a running program.
• Work with Debug Tool utility.
• Understand setting options.

Prerequisites

• General understanding of z/OS and OS/390 for zSeries.

System requirements

• This course requires Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 5 or greater.

Duration

How long it takes you to complete the course depends upon your reading speed, and how many units/modules you complete. Each module typically takes about 40 minutes to read and demonstrations typically last 25 minutes. Therefore, you should allow an average of 1-2 hours for each unit.

One benefit of a self-paced course is that you can take it a portion at a time. Allocating some time each day for a week may be more a effective approach to completing this course than setting aside an entire day.

Languages

English