Getting Started with Mainframes

My Mainframe Journey

I'm not a seasoned professional or some all-knowing mainframe bot 🤖, but my fascination with mainframes started during my quest to uncover the weird and wonderful corners of technology. That's when I stumbled upon mainframes—absolute beasts of computing that have been powering critical systems for decades without much of a redesign. Think of them as the tech world's version of classic cars🚘—timeless, powerful, and always reliable 💾.

Intrigued, I went full-on detective mode 🔍 and reached out to mainframe experts on LinkedIn. To my surprise (and relief), a few responded, shared resources, and pointed me in the right direction. That's when it hit me: mainframes aren't just relics of the past—they're the backbone of tech, the silent processors powering everything: reliable, resilient, and always getting the job done⚡.

From there, I dove in headfirst. I joined Master the Mainframe (now IBM Z Explore), browsed forums, took online courses, obtained mainframe-related certifications 🎓, and steadily built up my mainframe skills one byte at a time. 🛠️💻 Along the way, I noticed how scattered and cryptic most beginner resources were—many felt stuck in "mainframe-speak" and weren't exactly newbie-friendly.

As a Computer Science student, I decided to build this site to document my journey and share the best resources I've found. It's packed with guides, cheatsheets, and notes to make mainframes more accessible (and maybe a little less intimidating). Whether you're here to explore, learn, or just satisfy your curiosity, I hope this site helps—and maybe even inspires you to dive into the fascinating world of mainframes yourself 🚀.

What are Mainframes?

Mainframes are high-performance computers designed for processing and storing large amounts of data. They are known for their reliability, security, and ability to handle high-volume input and output.

A Brief History of Mainframes

Does Mainframe have a future?

Despite the rise of cloud computing, mainframes continue to play a crucial role in many industries, particularly in finance, healthcare, and government sectors. Their unparalleled ability to process vast amounts of data securely makes them indispensable for many organizations.

Mainframe Components Overview

Mainframes consist of various components that work together to provide powerful, reliable, and secure computing. Here's a bird's-eye view of key components you might encounter in your mainframe journey:

As you progress in your mainframe learning, you'll dive deeper into these components and understand how they interact to create the powerful and reliable systems that mainframes are known for.

Accessing Mainframes

Accessing mainframes typically requires specialized software and permissions. Here are some common methods:

• Terminal emulators (e.g., IBM Personal Communications, Micro Focus Rumba)
• Web-based interfaces (e.g., IBM z/OS Connect)
• APIs for programmatic access
• Cloud-based mainframe services

For learning purposes, you can use mainframe emulators or access free mainframe environments provided by some organizations for educational use.

Learning Resources

Here are some valuable resources to start your mainframe learning journey:

• Our curated list of resources
• IBM's official documentation and tutorials
• Online courses on platforms like Coursera and edX
• Mainframe user groups and forums
• Books on mainframe technologies and programming

Emulators and Operating Systems

Mainframe emulators allow you to run mainframe operating systems on your personal computer. Some popular options include:

• Hercules: An open-source mainframe emulator
• z/PDT: IBM's Personal Development Tool for z/OS
• TK4-: A free MVS 3.8j distribution

Common mainframe operating systems include:

• z/OS: The most widely used mainframe OS
• z/VM: A virtualization platform for mainframes
• z/VSE: For smaller mainframe environments
• Linux on Z: Linux distribution for IBM mainframes

Programming Languages

Mainframes support a wide range of programming languages, including:

IBM Systems

IBM offers a range of systems that are crucial in the mainframe ecosystem:

• IBM i: An integrated operating system for IBM Power Systems, known for its robust security and scalability.
• AIX (Advanced Interactive eXecutive): IBM's Unix-based operating system, designed for business computing and scalability.
• KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine): A virtualization solution for Linux on IBM Z and LinuxONE systems, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single machine.
• OS/390: A predecessor to z/OS, it was the primary operating system for IBM mainframes in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Understanding these systems provides a comprehensive view of the IBM mainframe ecosystem and its evolution over time.

IBM Z Explore Program

One of the best ways to get started with mainframes is through the IBM Z Explore program (formerly known as Master the Mainframe). This program offers:

• Hands-on experience with real mainframe systems
• Progressive learning path from basics to advanced topics
• Challenges and projects to apply your knowledge
• Recognition and badges for completed levels

You can start your mainframe journey with IBM Z Explore at https://www.ibm.com/z/resources/zxplore.

Additionally, IBM offers a comprehensive course on z/OS Facilities, which you can find in the IBM Redbooks: https://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/crse0304.html.

Quick Access to Learning Materials

Utilize every resource listed here to dive deeper into the world of mainframes. Each tool, guide, and cheatsheet is designed to enhance your understanding and skills in this fascinating field.