Faysal AzizIBM i Operations: AS/400 Foundations
Beginner-to-intermediate operational practice, jobs and messages
Why this course
Learn the operational foundations of IBM i systems, historically associated with AS/400. Use supplied examples to navigate the system, work with messages, inspect jobs and queues, and understand objects, libraries and application execution.
The course is primarily operational, not a full RPG/COBOL programming or database-administration course. Program and database examples explain how applications run; disruptive system, save/restore and security operations use demonstrations or an explicitly isolated lab.
Learning outcomes
- Use system help, command prompts and an approved 5250 or management interface.
- Send, inspect and reply to messages and understand the operator queue.
- Inspect jobs, job queues, output queues, spooled files and devices.
- Distinguish libraries, source/physical/logical files and program objects.
- Run and inspect supplied RPGLE, COBOL or display-program examples with selected Db2 for i queries.
- Interpret job/history logs, recognise problems and escalate with relevant evidence.
- Explain IPL, save/restore, subsystems, performance and security responsibilities at an operational level.
Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of client server architecture
- Understanding of file systems in own computer
- Basic understanding of RDBMS
Access to a supplied IBM i lab with only the authorities needed for the exercises and an approved compatible client, such as IBM i Access Client Solutions.
A supported client operating system and required runtime; remote participants need a reliable connection and conferencing equipment. A second screen is helpful, not mandatory.
3 modules
01Day 1 — System structure, connectivity and messages5 topics
- IBM i background, operator roles and the distinction between operation, administration and application development.
- Connect with the approved client, navigate menus and command prompts, and consult online help.
- Objects, libraries and library lists; compare the IBM i structure with familiar file-system concepts.
- Send, display and reply to messages, including break messages and operator-queue examples.
- Practical work: navigate a supplied environment and investigate a message or library-related problem.
02Day 2 — Jobs, output and application context5 topics
- Inspect jobs, job queues and subsystem relationships; recognise status, priorities and relevant logs.
- Work with spooled output, output queues, printing and devices using authorised lab actions.
- Distinguish source files, physical/logical database files and executable program objects.
- Run provided RPGLE, COBOL and display-program examples; inspect their parameters and relationship to Db2 for i.
- Use selected sample SQL queries and trace a simple application failure; coding is an orientation example, not a full language course.
03Day 3 — Operational troubleshooting and optional demonstrations5 topics
- Review job and history logs, collect diagnostic evidence and practise escalation.
- Explain controlled start/stop and initial program load (IPL); observe a demonstration rather than restart a shared production system.
- Review save/restore concepts for objects, libraries and the system, including recovery prerequisites and validation.
- Introduce subsystem control, selected performance observations and least-authority security practices.
- Optional isolated-lab demonstrations depend on available system authority and recovery arrangements; consolidate an operator checklist.
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