Stream: Virtual Room 2
Time: 11:15 - 12:00
Abstract Learn how to use regex, sed, and Velocity Template Language (VTL) to turn static scripts into dynamic, validated, and fully automated z/OSMF workflows—step by step. Session Description Automation on IBM Z increasingly relies on z/OSMF workflows, but many workflows still execute static scripts with limited validation or flexibility. This session demonstrates how Velocity Template Language (VTL), sed, and regular expressions can be used together to build dynamic, safe, and fully automated z/OSMF workflows. Using a step-by-step, example-driven approach, the session starts with simple string replacement and variable handling, then progresses to more advanced techniques. Attendees will see how sed can modify JCL and UNIX shell scripts at runtime, how VTL enables conditional logic and dynamic step generation, and how regex-based validation prevents invalid input from reaching execution. Real-world examples show how existing scripts can be enhanced — not rewritten — to become parameterized, reusable, and automation-ready within z/OSMF. The session also covers dynamic step content modification based on outputs from previous steps, enabling workflows that adapt as they run. By the end of the session, attendees will have practical patterns they can immediately apply to improve reliability, safety, and automation maturity in their own z/OSMF workflows.
I studied high school with a specialization in computer science in Prague. After that I have studied at Czech Technical University, where I have a Bachelor degree in Computer Science followed by the Master degree with specialization in Network and Internet. Except my master topic, I have added to my schedule subjects from Operating Systems specialization, which showed up as a wise move in my future career, when I have started as a developer on Mainframes. Now I am working at Broadcom Company in the team who specialize in adoption of innovations for Mainframe software management automation (acquisition, installation, configuration, maintenance and management). I have collaborated in ZOWE, which is an open source project for z/OS. I am also the author of a few software patents from various software fields. My hobby is training and teaching martial arts.
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