Learn IMS-TM-DB-SCRIPTING with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 27, 2025
Learning Path
Understand IMS-TM transaction concepts and DBCTL
Learn IMS-DB hierarchical structures and DL/I access
Practice writing batch scripts for IMS transactions
Integrate scripts with JCL and mainframe schedulers
Advance to complex workflows, error handling, and performance tuning
Skill Improvement Plan
Week 1: IMS-TM transaction basics
Week 2: IMS-DB structure and DL/I scripting
Week 3: Writing batch scripts invoking transactions
Week 4: Conditional logic and restart capabilities
Week 5: Optimizing performance and monitoring
Interview Questions
What is IMS-TM and how does it interact with IMS-DB?
Explain DL/I and DBCTL in IMS-DB scripting.
How do you automate transaction processing on mainframes?
What are MAPs and PROCs in IMS-TM?
How do you troubleshoot failed transactions or database errors?
Cheat Sheet
CALL TRANSACTION 'CODE' USING INFILE, OUTFILE
//STEP1 EXEC PGM=DBCTL,PARM='UPDATE'
//SYSIN DD *
Control statements for database operation
/*
Books
IBM IMS for Dummies
Mastering IMS-TM and IMS-DB
IMS DBCTL and Transaction Programming
Practical IMS-TM/DB Scripting
Enterprise IMS Solutions and Automation
Tutorials
IMS-TM Transaction Processing Basics
IMS-DB Hierarchical Database Access
DBCTL Scripting for IMS-DB
MAP/PROC Automation Techniques
Batch Processing and Error Handling in IMS
Official Docs
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/ims
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/ims-tm
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/ims-db
https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/
Community Links
IBM IMS forums
StackOverflow IMS-TM/DB tag
LinkedIn mainframe/IMS groups
IBM Redbooks and technical publications
Enterprise mainframe user communities
Community Support
IBM Knowledge Center for IMS
StackOverflow IMS-TM tag
LinkedIn mainframe/IMS groups
IBM Redbooks and technical publications
Enterprise mainframe user forums