Self-Paced Training · COBOL Track

Get your COBOL developers fluent in IBM Developer for z/OS — on their own schedule

Strongback has taught IDz since 2011. This self-paced COBOL track takes the same curriculum we deliver live and lets each developer work through it between sprints — no class to schedule, no seats sitting idle.

2011
Teaching IDz since
COBOL
Language track
8
Core modules
Self-paced
Video-based format

Request a Quote

Tell us your team size — we’ll follow up with seat pricing for the IDz COBOL self-paced track.

IDz Self-Paced COBOL Training Quote

We’ll respond within one business day.

Why Self-Paced

The IDE your company bought, actually put to use

IDz adoption often stalls because developers never get past the basics. This track fixes that without pulling anyone off delivery for a multi-day class.

Learn on their schedule

COBOL developers work through modules between sprints, on their own time — not instead of shipping work.

Priced for your team

Quoted per seat for the developers who need it — a team of five or a whole application group.

Onboard new hires sooner

New developers start the track when they join, instead of waiting for the next scheduled class.

Built by IDz practitioners

The same curriculum Strongback has taught live since 2011, from the consultants who deliver our IDz implementations.

What’s Covered

From first login to confident daily use

The COBOL track moves developers from the IDz workbench basics through debugging, testing, and day-to-day source management — the same ground our instructor-led course covers, at self-paced speed.

IBM Developer for z/OS workbench with a COBOL copybook open in the LPEX editor, the column ruler, and the z/OS Projects view
A COBOL copybook open in IDz’s LPEX editor — the workbench developers learn in Module 01 and 02.
01
IDz Workbench Fundamentals
Workspace setup, host connections, perspectives, and navigating the Eclipse-based IDE for the first time.
02
Editing COBOL with LPEX
Moving from 3270/ISPF editing habits to the LPEX editor — syntax highlighting, outline views, and content assist.
03
z/OS File and Data Set Access
Organizing data sets, PDS members, and copybook access through property groups and file mapping.
04
Remote System Explorer & Job Management
Submitting and monitoring batch jobs, reviewing job output, and working with SDSF from inside IDz.
05
Debugging COBOL Applications
Using the integrated z/OS Debugger to set breakpoints, step through logic, and inspect variables in batch and CICS programs.
06
Code Review and Coding Standards
Using IDz’s code review tooling to enforce shop coding standards and catch issues before check-in.
07
Source Control Integration
Checking code in and out against your shop’s SCM from inside the IDz workbench — day-to-day developer workflow.
08
Snippets, Templates, and Productivity Tools
Reusable code snippets, menu customization, and other workbench features that speed up daily development.

Want training delivered as part of a rollout? The self-paced track pairs with our instructor-led IDz classes — see IDz Implementation Services.

Get Started

Put the IDE your company bought to work. Get your COBOL developers productive on IDz without pulling them off delivery.

Request a quote IDz implementation services