7 Game-Changing New Mainframe Development Books in 2025

Explore authoritative Mainframe Development books by Isaac Nangan, Ricardo Nuqui, Craig S Mullins, and others shaping 2025's innovations

Updated on June 28, 2025
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The Mainframe Development landscape saw significant shifts as 2024 closed, pushing professionals to rethink how legacy systems integrate with modern technologies. Early adopters in 2025 are embracing automation, API-driven designs, and cost-efficient processor strategies to keep mainframes vital in an evolving digital world.

These seven books, authored by leading experts like Isaac Nangan, Ricardo Nuqui, and Craig S Mullins, offer detailed roadmaps for navigating modernization, automation, and integration challenges. Their authoritative guidance reflects deep hands-on experience and real-world case studies, vital for anyone working to future-proof mainframe environments.

While these insightful works provide a solid foundation, readers aiming for content precisely tailored to their experience level and specific goals might consider creating a personalized Mainframe Development book that leverages these emerging trends and adapts them directly to individual needs.

Best for automation-focused developers
Next-Gen Mainframe: Mastering Modern Automation Techniques offers a thoughtful exploration of how automation is reshaping mainframe computing. This book dives into the latest technologies transforming these reliable systems, presenting a framework that connects historical context with emerging tools like AI and cloud services. It’s designed for IT professionals and enthusiasts eager to bridge traditional mainframe knowledge with modern automation strategies, providing both theoretical background and practical case studies. This work addresses the critical need to evolve mainframe operations, positioning readers to navigate the future of computing with informed confidence.
2024·304 pages·Mainframe Development, Mainframes, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Isaac Nangan's extensive experience in mainframe technology drives this book’s focus on integrating modern automation with traditional mainframe systems. You’ll gain detailed insights into how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing can be leveraged to modernize mainframe operations, supported by real-world case studies that illustrate successful implementations. Chapters cover everything from the evolution of mainframes to practical applications of automation tools, making it a solid resource if you’re aiming to update your mainframe skills for today’s digital demands. If you’re deeply involved with mainframe environments or intrigued by the fusion of legacy systems and cutting-edge automation, this book offers clear examples and thoughtful analysis tailored for you.

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Best for DevOps integration specialists
"How to Harness the Power of Jenkins on Mainframes" offers a unique perspective on merging modern DevOps automation with traditional mainframe platforms. This guide lays out the latest methods for setting up and optimizing Jenkins within mainframe environments, addressing a growing need in software development. Its focus on practical steps and real-world examples makes it an essential resource for professionals aiming to modernize mainframe operations while preserving their reliability.
2023·246 pages·Jenkins, Mainframe Development, Mainframes, DevOps, Automation

After analyzing emerging trends in software deployment, Isaac Nangan developed this guide to connect the automation power of Jenkins with the legacy strength of mainframes. You gain a clear roadmap for setting up Jenkins in mainframe environments, including configuration, job management, and ongoing optimization tailored specifically for these systems. The book benefits both experienced mainframe developers seeking modern DevOps integration and newcomers venturing into this hybrid space. Examples from diverse industries illustrate practical applications, helping you understand how to leverage Jenkins to enhance mainframe operations without wading through abstract theory.

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Best for custom automation plans
This AI-created book on mainframe automation and integration is crafted based on your specific interests and skill level. By sharing what developments you want to focus on and your current experience, you receive tailored content that dives into the latest 2025 breakthroughs. Personalizing this book ensures you explore cutting-edge automation and integration topics that matter most to you, so your learning is both efficient and directly applicable to your goals.
2025·50-300 pages·Mainframe Development, Mainframe Automation, System Integration, Legacy Modernization, API Design

This personalized book explores the latest developments in mainframe automation and integration tailored specifically to your background and goals. It delves into emerging 2025 trends, revealing how advanced automation techniques and seamless integration approaches are transforming mainframe environments. You’ll discover cutting-edge insights that match your interests, including new tools and practices reshaping legacy systems. Through this tailored content, you gain a focused understanding of how these innovations accelerate efficiency, improve interoperability, and future-proof your mainframe operations. With a clear emphasis on your unique learning needs, this book provides a custom pathway to mastering the evolving landscape of mainframe technology.

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Best for API integration practitioners
"Mainframe REST: Bridging Legacy Power with Modern Agility" stands out in mainframe development for its timely focus on RESTful APIs as the key to merging legacy systems with modern software ecosystems. This book systematically unpacks the challenges and solutions of enabling mainframes to communicate seamlessly with web, mobile, and cloud applications. It addresses the urgent need for mainframe professionals and developers to adapt to evolving technology demands by offering clear explanations and practical examples. By exploring security, performance, and emerging trends, it provides valuable insights for anyone looking to future-proof their mainframe expertise and infrastructure.
2023·138 pages·Mainframe Development, Mainframes, REST APIs, Legacy Integration, Software Architecture

Ricardo Nuqui's decades of experience in mainframe environments led to this focused exploration of RESTful APIs as a bridge between legacy systems and modern software demands. You learn how to integrate mainframes with web and mobile platforms through REST, gaining practical skills in building, securing, and optimizing these services. Chapters detail everything from data serialization to error handling, providing a clear path for professionals aiming to modernize aging infrastructure. If you work directly with mainframe systems or need to unlock their data for contemporary applications, this book offers a straightforward, technically rich guide without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for modernization strategists
"Bridging the Gap" offers a thorough look at how mainframes remain vital even as technology shifts rapidly. It presents a pragmatic framework for modernizing these systems, addressing challenges and opportunities with clarity. The book guides IT professionals through options like re-engineering and hybrid adoption, aiming to enhance agility without losing mainframe strengths. This resource is invaluable for those seeking to sustain and evolve crucial enterprise infrastructure in a digital-first world.
2023·374 pages·Mainframe Development, Mainframes, Modernization Strategies, Re-hosting, Re-platforming

Ricardo Nuqui's extensive experience in mainframe environments shines through in this detailed examination of modernization strategies. You’ll learn how to balance the proven reliability of legacy mainframes with the pressing need for agility demanded by today's digital economy. The book offers concrete approaches like re-hosting, re-platforming, and hybrid models, illustrated with real-world case studies that clarify complex decisions. If you’re involved in IT infrastructure or enterprise architecture, this guide helps you navigate modernization without sacrificing stability, making it essential for professionals aiming to future-proof critical systems.

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Best for legacy system innovators
"Mainframe Reimagined" offers a fresh perspective on legacy systems, emphasizing their ongoing importance in critical industries like banking and aviation. The book explores how mainframes can evolve rather than become obsolete, focusing on integration with modern digital technologies. It provides insights into modernization strategies, security considerations, and real-world case studies, making it a valuable resource for professionals seeking to leverage mainframes in today’s fast-changing tech landscape. This approach helps you appreciate the resilience and untapped potential of mainframes as part of the digital future.
2023·174 pages·Mainframes, Mainframe Development, Legacy Systems, Modernization, Digital Integration

Ricardo Nuqui brings a nuanced view to mainframe technology, challenging the idea that these systems belong to the past. You learn how legacy mainframes still power critical sectors like banking and aviation, and how modernization isn’t about replacement but integration with today’s digital tools. The book dives into practical strategies for modernizing mainframes, balancing cost, efficiency, and security, and includes case studies that reveal real-world outcomes. If you work with legacy infrastructure or want to understand its evolving role, this book offers a clear-eyed look at how mainframes can remain relevant in the digital age.

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Best for future-proof skills
This AI-created book on mainframe modernization is tailored to your specific goals and background. It focuses on the latest discoveries and developments shaping the future of mainframe systems in 2025. By addressing your unique interests and skill level, this personalized guide helps you explore the new challenges and opportunities that digital transformation brings to mainframe development. It’s designed to give you exactly the knowledge you need to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field.
2025·50-300 pages·Mainframe Development, System Modernization, Emerging Technologies, Automation Trends, API Integration

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of mainframe development with a focus on preparing you for 2025 and beyond. It examines emerging digital challenges and the latest discoveries shaping the future of mainframe systems. By matching your background and specific goals, this personalized guide reveals how to stay current with cutting-edge insights and new research relevant to your interests. You’ll engage deeply with topics like modernization trends, emerging architectures, automation advances, and integration techniques, all tailored to your experience level. This approach ensures you gain targeted knowledge that helps you future-proof your mainframe expertise in an increasingly digital world.

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Best for cost and performance analysts
Craig S. Mullins is a database expert with four decades of experience in database systems development and has been recognized by IBM as an IBM Champion for Data and AI. His deep industry knowledge drives this book, which demystifies IBM specialty processors like zIIPs, explaining their operation and cost benefits. Mullins' long-standing expertise ensures the book provides authoritative guidance for IT professionals aiming to optimize mainframe environments and reduce software expenses.
2023·193 pages·Mainframe Development, Mainframes, Specialty Processors, zIIP Usage, Cost Optimization

Craig S. Mullins brings four decades of database and mainframe expertise to clarify the often-misunderstood world of IBM specialty processors like zIIPs. You’ll gain a solid understanding of mainframe internals such as control blocks, SRBs, and TCBs, which are crucial for grasping how these processors optimize workloads. The book goes beyond theory, explaining mainframe licensing and pricing in accessible terms so you can navigate cost-saving strategies confidently. Whether you're managing zIIP workloads or exploring other specialty processors, Mullins offers insights into practical promotion of zIIP usage and a forward-looking perspective on their evolving role in IBM Z environments.

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Best for enterprise web services experts
Ricardo Nuqui was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in mainframe computing to this work. Having served in roles ranging from application programmer to systems consultant, he draws on a deep well of practical knowledge to guide you through SOAP’s vital role in mainframe environments. This book reflects his commitment to bridging traditional mainframe systems with modern web service protocols, helping you navigate the complexities of enterprise computing with clarity and expertise.
2023·284 pages·Mainframe Development, Web Services, SOAP, Enterprise Computing, Service Configuration

Drawing from over two decades of experience in mainframe computing, Ricardo Nuqui offers a detailed exploration of SOAP's integration within enterprise mainframe environments. You’ll find clear explanations starting from foundational concepts of mainframes and SOAP, progressing to configuring, implementing, and securing SOAP services on legacy systems. The book shines in its practical approach, with case studies bridging theory and real-world application, especially in chapters focused on monitoring and advanced security concerns. If you’re involved in maintaining or evolving mainframe infrastructures and want to deepen your understanding of interoperable web services, this provides a focused, technically rich resource without unnecessary jargon.

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Conclusion

Together, these books reveal a clear pattern: the mainframe is not static but evolving through automation, modernization, and seamless integration with modern platforms. If you want to stay ahead of trends, start with "Next-Gen Mainframe" for automation insights and "Mainframe REST" for API-focused development.

For hands-on modernization strategies, "Bridging the Gap" and "Mainframe Reimagined" provide practical frameworks, while "IBM Mainframe Specialty Processors" offers valuable knowledge on optimizing cost and performance. Combine these with "How to Harness the Power of Jenkins on Mainframes" to integrate DevOps tools effectively.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Mainframe Development book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Next-Gen Mainframe" if you're interested in automation, or "Bridging the Gap" for modernization strategies. These offer broad overviews that set the stage for more specialized topics later.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Mainframe Development?

Not necessarily. While some delve into complex topics, books like "How to Harness the Power of Jenkins on Mainframes" provide clear, practical steps suitable for newcomers venturing into DevOps on mainframes.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your focus area. For example, choose "Mainframe REST" if APIs interest you, or "IBM Mainframe Specialty Processors" for performance optimization. Each book targets specific aspects.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Bridging the Gap" offers strategic theory, while "Mastering SOAP in Mainframes" and "How to Harness the Power of Jenkins on Mainframes" emphasize hands-on, practical implementation with real-world examples.

Will these 2025 insights still be relevant next year?

Yes, these books address foundational and emerging trends that will influence Mainframe Development well beyond 2025, especially in automation and modernization practices.

Can I get content tailored specifically to my experience level and goals?

Absolutely. While these expert books provide solid guidance, you can also create a personalized Mainframe Development book to focus on exactly what you need, updated regularly with the latest trends.

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