Simulating online execution with Batch Terminal Simulator in DB/DC and DCCTL environments

Often an online application program is developed to the testing stage, but a suitable online IMS system is not available. At this stage you can use the Batch Terminal Simulator licensed program, program number 5655-J57.

The Batch Terminal Simulator (BTS) program can simulate the operation of message processing regions before the online IMS system is operational as a test system. This program runs as a batch IMS system using one or more applications. BTS input is transaction data, and the application programs are invoked. Database calls are executed against test databases; the DL/I calls for data communications are simulated.

With BTS, you can do the following:

• Print terminal input, output, and an optional trace of related database activity. You can request a summary of DL/I calls, by type, against each PCB.
• Simulate conversational transactions and program-to-program switches.
• Simulate the message queuing and application program scheduling functions of the online IMS system. transaction input data to the input message structure for the application program and, similarly, map the output messages to a printed layout. This is particularly useful for IMS 3270 input and output formats.
• Use the debugging and trace facilities (during the test phase) for both batch and telecommunication applications.

You do not need to modify the IMS control programs, control blocks, libraries, or the application programs.

Related reading: For more information on BTS, see IMS Batch Terminal Simulator for z/OS® User's Guide.