IBM Mainframe REXX Assessment Test

An IBM Mainframe REXX Assessment Test evaluates individuals on their proficiency in using REXX (Restructured Extended Executor Language) specifically within the context of IBM mainframe systems. REXX is a powerful scripting language that is widely used for automation, data manipulation, and system utilities on IBM mainframes.

A IBM Mainframe REXX Assessment Test evaluates candidates for:

1. REXX Language Fundamentals:
   • Understanding of REXX syntax, variables, data types, operators, expressions, control structures (e.g., loops, conditionals), and procedures.
2. IBM Mainframe Environment:
   • Knowledge of the IBM mainframe operating system (e.g., z/OS), JCL (Job Control Language), TSO (Time Sharing Option), ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility), and accessing mainframe datasets.
3. REXX Script Development:
   • Proficiency in writing REXX scripts for various tasks such as file manipulation, data parsing, string handling, batch processing, and interacting with system utilities.
4. REXX Built-in Functions:
   • Familiarity with REXX built-in functions for string manipulation, date and time operations, mathematical calculations, error handling, and interacting with external programs.
5. Batch Processing with REXX:
   • Skills in developing REXX scripts for batch processing jobs, executing sequential or parallel tasks, handling input/output files, and managing job dependencies.
6. Interactive REXX Scripts:
   • Ability to create interactive REXX scripts for user interaction, menu-driven applications, data validation, error handling, and providing user-friendly interfaces on IBM mainframes.
7. REXX Performance Optimization:
   • Techniques for optimizing REXX script performance, minimizing CPU time, reducing memory usage, and improving script execution efficiency on IBM mainframe systems.
8. Error Handling and Debugging:
   • Knowledge of error handling techniques in REXX, debugging REXX scripts, identifying and resolving syntax errors, logical errors, runtime errors, and ensuring robust script execution.
9. Integration with Mainframe Utilities:
   • Experience in integrating REXX scripts with mainframe utilities and subsystems (e.g., IDCAMS for dataset management, IEBGENER for data conversion, FTP for file transfers) using JCL or TSO commands.
10. REXX and System Automation:
    • Understanding of using REXX for system automation tasks such as job scheduling, report generation, system monitoring, log file analysis, and implementing proactive alerts.
11. REXX Extensions and APIs:
    • Familiarity with REXX extensions, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and libraries available on IBM mainframe systems for extending REXX capabilities and integrating with other languages or systems.
12. Documentation and Best Practices:
    • Commitment to documenting REXX scripts, coding standards, development processes, script libraries, and adhering to best practices for REXX programming on IBM mainframes.
13. Version Control and Change Management:
    • Skills in version control systems (e.g., Endevor, Git), change management processes, promoting REXX scripts across environments (e.g., development, testing, production), and ensuring code integrity.
14. Security and Access Controls:
    • Awareness of security considerations in REXX scripting, implementing access controls, securing sensitive data, adhering to mainframe security policies, and mitigating security risks.
15. Continuous Learning and Development:
    • Commitment to staying updated with REXX language enhancements, IBM mainframe technologies, attending training programs, obtaining certifications (e.g., IBM Certified Developer), and contributing to REXX communities.

Overall, an IBM Mainframe REXX Assessment Test evaluates candidates' abilities to effectively use REXX scripting language on IBM mainframe systems for automation, data manipulation, system utilities, and batch processing tasks. It assesses technical knowledge, practical skills in REXX development, adherence to mainframe programming standards, and the ability to deliver efficient, reliable, and scalable solutions that meet business requirements in an IBM mainframe environment.

This evaluation helps identify individuals who can contribute to mainframe application development, system automation projects, optimize operational workflows, and support organizational goals using REXX scripting on IBM mainframes.