2 comments about IMS for the Cobol Programmer, Part 2: Data Communications and Message Format Service.

1. i did not get the answer for my doub, that is as u have described in the book ims dc about the date accepting system literals. but the never told how to get 4 digit year field format. i would appreciate if u would provide the answer for the above. thank you.



2. A must read for every COBOL programmer who handles IMS databases. A very Handy reference.

No comments about Java for COBOL Programmers, Third Edition (Programming Series).

3 comments about MVS Tso: Commands and Procedures (MVS TSO).

1. This book presents a complete picture of the MVS environment with chapters on REXX, CLISTs, Dialog Manager, TSO commands among others. While it does not have the complete syntax for any of these components, it is a good starting point for all of them, and one of the few reference books to cover all of them in one book. This allows the author to show the interaction between the components. In all, a very helpful book for the MVS developer.



2. I needed the product for work. The response was timely and the price was fair.



3. This book has very poor standards. As soon as I open the book to read, I didn't like it at all. This is good one for COBOL programers, who wants to learn Clist or REXX.
   
   I intendent to learn Clist and REXX.

1 comments about IMS for the Cobol Programmer, Part 1: Data Base Processing With Ims/Vs and Dl/I Dos/Vs.

1. If you're an applications programmer and need to learn DL/I to extract information from IMS hierarchical databases, this is the book for you. Don't let the size fool you; you can get through it in under a fortnight. This book contains the most of what any applications programmer working in the mainframe environment will need for all applications.

5 comments about Hibernate: A Developer's Notebook.

1. This book gives you a fast paced introduction. However, if you are trying to figure out how Hibernate fits into your architecture e.g. how it relates to your business logic, how it can be configured in a DAO architecture, etc., etc. you need to look elsewhere.
   
   For a beginner it is definitely better then the documentation that comes with hibernate. Be prepared to buy a more advanced book if you want to do serious work with Hibernate.



2. For the versions of Hibernate and Hsqldb it was written for this is an excellent book to get you up and running, and a good introduction into the Hibernate platform.
   But Hibernate and Hsqldb both have moved on and many (most) of the examples no longer work without modification.
   Nothing that searching the web and Hibernate documentation can't find quickly though, leaving it still a viable introduction into the concepts and syntax.
   
   I personally like thin books and this one certainly doesn't try to spoonfeed you Java or anything, it assumes the reader is smart enough to figure things out for himself.



3. Yes...
   i just got it yesterday and brought it to work and it helped me solve an issue that has been buggin me since 2 days ago!
   
   The examples seem to be quiet easy to read and the format is basically what a developer would ask very intuitive.



4. I purchased this book when it first came out, and this past weekend finally got around to doing all of the examples. I suggest downloading Hibernate2, which is what the book covers. Hibernate3 is a bit different in structure and will just slow down what you are trying to learn.
   
   Needless to say 2 days later I am building my backend with Hibernate and upset with myself that I did not read and study this book a year go.
   
   I do suggest getting a nice Hibernate reference book on top of this. This book will get you started nicely (by chapter 2 I was on my way), but it would be of value to understand more of the details.



5. not only is this book pretty outdated as it only focuses on hibernate2 and not the newer release hibernate3 which is not backwards compatible... there was also a "serious technical error" early on in the book that set me back a while... google the corrections if you use this book.
   
   the writing style was decent... i wouldn't mind reading an newer updated copy

5 comments about Sams Teach Yourself COBOL in 24 Hours (Sams Teach Yourself).

1. I am about in half of the book and I must say it is an excellent book. The compiler is good as well, considering that it comes free with the book. The examples are very good and are based on real world problems. So you not only learn the theory but also gaining a knowledge of solving real world problems. The language the author uses is understandable to anyone who can speak English just a little (BTW, English is my second language and I did not experience any difficulties to understand what author means at all). The only minus I found was that the book almost completelly omitted the debugging, which is essential if you want to be a true programmer (in any language). However, the combination of theory, excersices and free compiler makes this book and excellent buy for any COBOL novice like myself.



2. I am 16 years old. Several of my family members are programmers, most of them use COBOL. With this book, and a little help from my family I am learning COBOL. I like the fact that I can use the computer, compile and execute exercises right from the first lesson. I am on chapter seven and having a lot of fun. I also think I am learning COBOL very well. My tutor says he is pleased with the book and with my progress. We recommend it to anyone who wants to learn COBOL even without experience in a previous programming language.



3. Hi friends,
   I have just read some of its sample pages. Programs are really good with easy to understand approach. However, i think this is for beginners.



4. The subject of the book, Sams Teach Yourself COBOL in 24 Hours, is not popular enough for even the largest of the local bookstores to carry. I found several books on COBOL at Amazon and picked the Sams book because I have experience with other titles from the Sams line.
   
   Amazon got the book to me within a couple of days.
   
   What else is there to say, good book backed by good service.



5. I TRIED to install the programs that are on the CD, and the problems began, that was about 6:00, at 9:30, I finally gave up and did an XP Restore, YES it was that bad.
   During the installation a dialog box asked for the serial number on the CD. There wasn't ANY number, not on the CD, not on the CD-holder, not in the READ-MEs, NO NUMBER.
   So, I did an uninstall, that didn't work.
   When I rebooted, a MS NOTEPAD error occurred and about 4-5-6 programs opened and cascade-failed. The messages were "insufficient memory".
   I couldn't access GOOGLE, to send an e-mail.
   NOW, after an XP Restore, the PC seems to be back to normal.
   I HATE THIS CD-BOOK combination.
   For me, NOTHING worked.
   Now that I can access GOOGLE again, I'm going to e-mail "SAMS" and RANT.
   - - -
   I hope you don't have the same experience as I did.
   - - -
   Do a System Back-up BEFORE trying to install the JUNK on the CD.
   G. H. Montesano, WA

5 comments about DB2 for the COBOL Programmer, Part 2, 2nd Ed..

1. This readable volume covers DB2 data sharing, stored procedures, DB2/CICS interface, DB2 database objects, and the SQL EXPLAIN. Model programs and JCL can be downloaded from the web. I look forward to an instructor's guide (hint to Murach) as they have for other publications.



2. I started a new job and needed to learn DB2 in a hurry. I bought part 1 and part 2. I was coding in no time. But the best part is they make excellent reference books because they are laid out so well. These books are well worth the investment.



3. Buy this book!!! Some computer books are written by computer geeks who know their technical stuff cold. They can't teach worth a darn, but they are deep technical wizards highly versed in techno-babble. The people who wrote the Murach series are NOT (let me repeat, the Murach folks are NOT) such people. It was the most amazing experience to have read this book, and to have the feeling that either Curtis Garvin or Anne Prince were looking directly over one's shoulder anticipating the various questions that inevitably arose. This book is incredibly well structured. It is written clearly, concisely, and with relevant in-depth examples. The authors take pains to ensure that they present their programming examples without (WITHOUT!!!) falling into the trap of disjointed techno-babble so common to such books. Again, you get more than your money's worth with this book. Buy it, and recommend it to anyone else who wants to learn or refresh their DB2/COBOL skills.



4. Buy this book!!! Some computer books are written by computer geeks who know
   their technical stuff cold. They can't teach worth a darn, but they are
   deep technical wizards who are highly versed in techno-babble. The worst
   part of it usually is, they aren't even aware when they are babbling their
   techno-nonsense!!! The people who wrote the Murach series are NOT (let me
   repeat, the Murach folks are NOT) such people. It was the most amazing
   experience to have read this book, and to have had the feeling that either
   Curtis Garvin or Anne Prince were looking directly over my shoulder
   anticipating the various questions that inevitably arose. This book is
   incredibly well structured. It is written clearly, concisely, and with
   relevant in-depth examples. The authors take pains to ensure that they
   present their programming examples without (WITHOUT!!!) falling into the
   trap of disjointed techno-babble so common to such books. Again, you get
   more than your money's worth with this book. Buy it, and recommend it to
   anyone else who wants to learn, refresh, or EXTEND their DB2/COBOL skills.



5. -excelent part about DB2 working in sysples, locking mechanism
   -excelent part about stored procedures
   -good introduction to database administration

3 comments about Murach's Mainframe COBOL.

1. The collaboration of COBOL experts Mike Murach, Anne Prince, and Raul Menendez, Murach's Mainframe COBOL is a tutorial, guide, and reference especially for anyone charged with developing or maintaining COBOL programs. Explicit examples and sample code spell out COBOL syntax in the clearest possible terms, and much of Murach's Mainframe COBOL is divided into individual sections that teach the reader how to complete any given specific task, such as "how to code select statements and FD statements" or "how to join data from two or more tables". An easy-to-follow guide for anyone learning the ins and outs of COBOL.



2. As a longtime mainframe programmer I have used Murach books for the times when I need a quick reminder of what COBOL statement to use and how to use it. Mike Murach has recently published a new "Mainframe COBOL" book. The Murach books feature a paired page format that has statement syntax and notes on the right hand page and detailed descriptions on the left hand page. With this format the book is useful for both the "seasoned" programmer and the newbie just getting started in writing structured COBOL programs. A new COBOL programmer can get good detailed instruction on how a structured program is designed coded and tested, the veteran can quickly access information on statement syntax and usage.
   
   This book differs from Murach's "Structured COBOL" offering in that it has no mention of Personal or PC COBOL platforms. Those references have been replaced by chapter (17.) describing mainframe architecture, input/output devices, basic mainframe operating system features and IBM mainframe OS' that are currently used. Another new chapter (19.) gives a brief basic introduction in (AMS) Access Method Services necessary for working with VSAM files.
   
   All in all, this book should be a good starting point for the mainframe COBOL programmer looking for a solid reference for writing batch programs. Programmers needing instruction or reference for CICS and DB2 application development should read the (also brief and basic) chapters on those subjects and then seriously consider investing in Murach's "CICS for the COBOL Programmer" and excellent "CICS Desk Reference" along with their two DB2 manuals. They also have a solid VSAM manual.



3. This book is written in an easy to read and understand format. A good refresher for anyone that needs it and will serve as a good future reference book. Very good simple examples.

5 comments about Murach's CICS for the COBOL Programmer.

1. An uncluttered layout and clear text make this the best textbook I've read in a very long time. You can see the code (or list of command options or diagram) on the right page, and read the explanation of the command on the left page. It's much easier than going back and forth trying to find a code example.

   I was looking to fill in gaps in my knowledge, so I liked the way each topic stands alone. You can just look up VSAM browses or SQL commands or MRO without having to read the chapters leading up to it. I'm going to use this as a reference book. It has everything I need.

   It was funny that the last two chapters were one on using CICS with web browsers and another on obsolete terms, like BLL-CELLS. I guess it's a reminder that CICS is still a developing system and we have to keep our knowledge fresh!




2. Murach's CICS For The Cobol Programmer is a complete training manual for CICS so well written and presented that the novice will rapidly become proficient in designing, coding, and testing CICS programs. All the features programmers use regularly on the job are featured including those for VSAM file handling, editing input data, controlling the display of data at a terminal, DB2 data access, error processing, and debugging. Programmers are also provided with an overview of how CICS can be used for web-based applications, including the design and coding considerations involved. Murach's distinctive and "learner friendly" paired-pages style is followed throughout with the illustrations and crucial coding details for a single feature or function on the right-hand page, while the left-hand page offers extra explanation and perspective. Murach's CICS For The Cobol Programmer is a "must" for anyone wanting to learn CICS programming and operation.



3. As always, Murach has provided a real working programmers text. This is a combination of the older volumes 1 and 2 with lots of new stuff thrown in. Beware - this is a full instructional text. It goes into depth on just about everything you would really want to know. I use it when I have questions as well as an instructional text for my junior staff programmers. The examples are also plentiful and well presented. Now that I do engagements on the road, I ship this text everywhere I go - wouldnt be without it as I still refer just to be sure I got it right.



4. I bought this back when I was trying to learn CICS. It was one of the best I found. I keep it at my desk at work and my co-workers use it on a regular basis too.



5. I recommend for all programmers and System Analist that needs to learn everything about COBOL CICS.

3 comments about DB2 for the COBOL Programmer, Part 1, 2nd Ed..

1. This is an excellent resource for all those baffled programmers who need to learn DB2 fast. Thos book provides clear-cut examples, syntax, and the results of the various SQL commands that are most likely to be needed by any programmer. All the basics from simple SELECT statements are covered all the way up to ORDER BY clauses, joins and so on. A special chapter on using SPUFI was also a big help. The emphasis here is on the COBOL language and mainframe computers, but it is an excellent learning tool for anyone. The book teaches by example and can be finished easily within a week (The example programs are what make it look so big). A must-read for anyone interested in relationall databases.



2. Buy this book!!! ... I wanted
   to refresh my basic DB2/COBOL skills, so I ordered a copy of this book.
   "DB2 for the COBOL Programmer" is written in a clear and concise fashion
   which even a novice programmer can start using immediately. SQL theory and
   application are presented in a way that can only be described as inspired.
   Curtis Garvin and Steve Eckols have done an outstanding job taking the
   reader from zero to competent professional in this book. I only wish that
   more 'techie' books were written like this one (and it's companion, Part 2).



3. I use this book at work all the time for projects where we are adding DB2 to old COBOL programs. I have a little bit of SQL experience, so I generally use this book as a reference. It also helps me use a variety of DB2 features to make the queries simpler and do what I really want.