Assembler Introduction Course

This course introduces participants to the basic skills required to write assembler programs using the IBM High Level Assembler (HLASM). The course introduces participants to the concept and use of assembler languages. Participants learn to use fixed point and decimal (packed) instructions to perform required programming functions. Among the topics to be covered will be:    

> Character, packed and binary data instructions
> Data editing and output control
> Processing tables
> Program linkage conventions
> Data management macros
> Assembler language debugging
> Developing large programs using multiple base registers
> Creating and using DSECTs

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
> Write High Level Assembler programs that read and write disk/tape files, and generate formatted reports
> Code, assemble and execute a series of programs using fixed point and decimal instructions with instructor supplied JCL and test data

A series of written and lab exercises will be used to reinforce the classroom education.  

Introduction to Assembler
Concept of Machine Language
Purpose of the Assembler
Machine Language and Assembler Language
Coding Rules and Statement Formats
Instruction Formats

Defining Storage Areas and Constants
Define Storage (DS) statement
Define Constant (DC) statement
Types of Constants
Definition of Input and Output Records

Packed Decimal Processing
Arithmetic Instructions
Comparison Instructions
Conversion Instructions

Data Movement Instructions
Assembling and Executing Your Program
Assembler Language Control Statements
Interpreting the Assembler Output
Executing Your Assembler Program
Dump Analysis

Conditional Processing
Comparison Instructions
Branching Instructions

Output Control
Edit Instruction
Edit and Mark Instruction

Binary Processing
Data Loading/Storage
Arithmetic Instructions
Comparison Instructions
Conversion Instructions

Table Processing
Introduction
Table Processing
Loop Control

Program Linkage
Program Entry Sequence
Program Exit Sequence

Sequential File Processing
Overview
DCB Macro
OPEN / CLOSE Macros
GET / PUT Macros

Program Sectioning
Multiple Base Registers
CSECTs
DSECTs

Introduction to MVS/ESA or equivalent experience
TSO/ISPF or equivalent experience
Basic MVS/ESA JCL or equivalent experience
Previous experience in coding application programs in a high level language such as
COBOL, FORTRAN, or BASIC will enhance the results of this course