Master the Principles, Techniques, and Tools for Testing Mainframe Systems with Real-World Scenarios and Best Practices.
A warm welcome to the IBM Mainframe Testing: Ensure Quality in Enterprise Systems course by Uplatz.
What you’ll learn
- Understand the fundamentals of mainframe testing and its role in enterprise environments..
- Learn the objectives, principles, and key concepts of mainframe testing..
- Gain insight into risk identification, assessment, and management in mainframe systems..
- Explore various testing strategies and how to apply them effectively in mainframe projects..
- Comprehend the phases of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) and their application in mainframe testing..
- Identify and perform different types of testing in mainframes, including functional, integration, performance, and security testing..
- Develop skills in creating effective test plans, managing errors, and conducting model-based testing..
- Understand the bug life cycle and learn how to track, report, and resolve defects in mainframe applications..
- Master key testing metrics and estimation techniques to measure and improve testing efficiency..
- Gain familiarity with industry standards such as ISO for ensuring quality in mainframe testing processes..
- Address common challenges and clarify doubts faced by mainframe testers..
- Enhance testing skills through practical exercises, real-world scenarios, and end-of-course assessments..
Course Content
- Mainframe Testing Introduction –> 1 lecture • 55min.
- Mainframe Testing Objectives and Principles –> 1 lecture • 51min.
- Risk in Mainframe Testing –> 1 lecture • 54min.
- Risk Management in Mainframe Testing –> 1 lecture • 45min.
- Fundamentals of Mainframe Testing –> 2 lectures • 41min.
- Mainframe Testing Strategies –> 1 lecture • 59min.
- Mainframe Testing STLC –> 1 lecture • 1hr 2min.
- Important Questions in Mainframe Testers Mind and Clarification –> 1 lecture • 55min.
- Different Types of Testing in Mainframe –> 4 lectures • 3hr 35min.
- Damage Test Plan and Errors and Model Based Testing –> 1 lecture • 59min.
- Bug Life Cycle, Testing Estimates and Different Metrics, Testing ISO Standards –> 1 lecture • 53min.
- Test your Mainframe Testing Skills –> 2 lectures • 58min.
Requirements
A warm welcome to the IBM Mainframe Testing: Ensure Quality in Enterprise Systems course by Uplatz.
Mainframe Testing involves verifying and validating the functionality, performance, security, and reliability of mainframe systems and applications. Mainframes are used for mission-critical operations in industries like banking, insurance, retail, and telecommunications. Testing ensures that mainframe applications handle large volumes of data and transactions without errors, maintaining system stability and performance.
How Mainframe Testing Works
Mainframe testing follows a structured approach similar to other software testing processes but with specific tools and techniques tailored for mainframes:
- Environment Setup
- Configure the mainframe environment with the necessary hardware, software, and testing tools.
- Establish access to systems like z/OS, CICS, COBOL programs, and databases such as DB2.
- Test Planning
- Define test objectives, scope, and requirements.
- Create detailed test plans, including the identification of test cases and data requirements.
- Test Case Design
- Design test cases to validate functional and non-functional requirements.
- Include scenarios for batch processing, online transactions, and integrations.
- Test Data Preparation
- Use production-like data or synthetic data to simulate real-world scenarios.
- Leverage tools like File-AID and TSO/ISPF for data creation and manipulation.
- Test Execution
- Execute test cases using tools like JCL scripts for batch processing or interactive testing environments for online systems.
- Monitor logs, output files, and system performance.
- Defect Reporting and Debugging
- Identify bugs or issues in application logic, database queries, or system configuration.
- Report and track defects using bug tracking tools.
- Regression and Integration Testing
- Perform regression tests to ensure new changes do not affect existing functionality.
- Validate integrations with external systems or databases.
- Performance and Load Testing
- Test the system’s behavior under heavy transaction loads to ensure scalability and reliability.
Benefits of Learning Mainframe Testing
By mastering mainframe testing, you can contribute to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of systems that are integral to the operations of some of the largest organizations globally.
- High Demand in Key Industries
- Mainframes are widely used in banking, finance, insurance, and government sectors. Proficiency in mainframe testing opens doors to job opportunities in these fields.
- Stable and Lucrative Career
- Mainframe testing specialists are in demand due to the critical nature of mainframe systems, often resulting in stable and well-compensated roles.
- Understanding Legacy and Modern Systems
- Gain expertise in bridging legacy systems with modern technologies, a valuable skill for system modernization projects.
- Comprehensive Testing Skills
- Learn unique testing techniques for batch processing, transaction systems (CICS), and mainframe-specific databases like DB2.
- Improved Debugging and Problem-Solving
- Develop a strong foundation in debugging complex mainframe programs and managing errors effectively.
- Work with High-Performance Systems
- Understand and test systems that handle large-scale, mission-critical operations for global enterprises.
- Tool Mastery
- Gain hands-on experience with tools like JCL, File-AID, TSO/ISPF, and more, making you industry-ready.
- Opportunity for Specialization
- Build expertise in niche areas like performance testing, batch job testing, and database testing in mainframes.
- Support for Digital Transformation
- Play a critical role in organizations modernizing their mainframe systems while ensuring quality and reliability.
- Global Relevance
- Mainframe systems are used worldwide, providing opportunities for global projects and collaboration.
Mainframe Testing – Course Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to Mainframe Testing
- Day 1: Mainframe Testing Overview
- Introduction to mainframe testing.
- Importance and scope of testing in mainframe systems.
Module 2: Mainframe Testing Principles and Risk Management
- Day 2: Testing Objectives and Principles
- Key objectives and guiding principles in mainframe testing.
- Day 3: Understanding Risk in Mainframe Testing
- Types of risks associated with mainframe systems.
- Day 4: Risk Management in Mainframe Testing
- Techniques for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks.
Module 3: Testing Fundamentals and Strategies
- Day 5: Fundamentals of Testing
- Concepts, terminologies, and importance of testing.
- Day 6: Testing Strategies
- Common testing strategies for mainframe environments.
Module 4: Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)
- Day 7: Overview of STLC
- Phases of STLC and their relevance to mainframe testing.
Module 5: Frequently Asked Questions and Clarifications
- Day 8: Common Questions from Mainframe Testers
- Addressing important questions and providing clarifications for testers.
Module 6: Types of Testing in Mainframes
- Day 9-12: Comprehensive Coverage of Testing Types
- Functional testing.
- Integration testing.
- Regression testing.
- Performance testing.
- Security testing.
- User acceptance testing (UAT).
Module 7: Advanced Topics in Mainframe Testing
- Day 13: Test Planning and Error Management
- Understanding damage, creating test plans, and handling errors.
- Introduction to model-based testing.
- Day 14: Bug Life Cycle, Testing Metrics, and Standards
- Bug life cycle stages.
- Estimating testing efforts and using key metrics.
- ISO standards in software testing.
Module 8: Practical Skill Assessment
- Day 15: Test Your Testing Skills
- Practical exercises to evaluate understanding and application of mainframe testing concepts.