We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Judy Richardson
In this project you will have your first look at the COBOL programming language. As you view, compile, and execute COBOL code you will learn what COBOL is, where it began, and how it has evolved to remain an important player in today’s business systems. In fact, it is estimated that up to 70% of large corporations still use COBOL for processing data in their mission-critical systems. For extra practice, be sure to check out the optional practice and capstone activities.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/2sgpfi/absolute
Three deals to help you save
We found three deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until December 12
Annual Subscription Savings
Unlock programs from Google, Microsoft, and IBM and join 77% of learners who reported positive career outcomes.
Only $239!
Valid for a limited time only
Future-proof your career
Access O'Reilly books, live events, courses, and more. Save with an annual subscription.
Take
15%
off
What's inside
Syllabus
Project Overview
In this project you will have your first look at the COBOL programming language. As you view, compile, and execute COBOL code you will learn what COBOL is, where it began, and how it has evolved to remain an important player in today’s business systems.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides an initial introduction to the COBOL programming language, its history, and its continuing relevance in today's business systems
Valuable for individuals seeking to gain a foundational understanding of COBOL and its applications in business
Provides opportunities for hands-on practice and reinforcement of concepts through optional activities
Led by instructor Judy Richardson, who brings expertise and experience in the field
Course materials are accessible and easy to follow, allowing learners to progress at their own pace
Assumes no prior knowledge of COBOL, making it suitable for beginners
Save this course
Save Absolute Basics of COBOL to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Absolute Basics of COBOL with these
activities:
Review Basic Programming Concepts
Show steps
Refresh fundamental programming concepts to strengthen the foundation for COBOL learning.
Browse courses on
Programming Fundamentals
Show steps
-
Review basic programming concepts such as variables, data types, and control structures.
-
Complete practice exercises to reinforce understanding.
COBOL Programming (Fifth Edition)
Show steps
Review a comprehensive guide to COBOL programming to reinforce the concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
-
Read through the book to gain a deeper understanding of COBOL concepts.
-
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter to test understanding.
COBOL Hands-On Tutorials
Show steps
Follow online or in-person tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance to enhance your COBOL programming skills.
Browse courses on
COBOL
Show steps
-
Identify reputable COBOL tutorial resources
-
Work through tutorials covering basic to advanced COBOL concepts
-
Implement the concepts learned in practical exercises
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Practice COBOL Basics
Show steps
Practice the basics of COBOL programming language by completing small exercises and drills.
Show steps
-
Review the basics of COBOL data types, variables, and operators.
-
Complete a series of practice exercises to reinforce the concepts.
Learn COBOL Syntax
Show steps
Explore the syntax of COBOL and understand how to write COBOL code.
Show steps
-
Follow guided tutorials to learn the basics of COBOL syntax.
-
Practice writing COBOL code to reinforce learning.
COBOL Code Snippets
Show steps
Create a collection of COBOL code snippets to serve as a reference and reinforce learning.
Show steps
-
Identify common COBOL programming tasks and write code snippets for each.
-
Organize the code snippets into a structured document.
COBOL Coding Drills
Show steps
Engage in repetitive COBOL coding drills to reinforce the fundamentals and improve your coding proficiency.
Browse courses on
COBOL
Show steps
-
Set up a COBOL development environment
-
Practice writing COBOL code for simple tasks
-
Debug and troubleshoot COBOL code
Small COBOL Application
Show steps
Build a simple COBOL application to apply the concepts learned in the course and gain practical experience.
Show steps
-
Design a simple COBOL application that meets a specific need.
-
Develop the COBOL code for the application.
-
Test and debug the application to ensure it functions as expected.
COBOL Project: Business Process Automation
Show steps
Undertake a project that involves automating a business process using COBOL, applying your knowledge and skills to a practical scenario.
Browse courses on
Business Process Automation
Show steps
-
Define the business process to be automated
-
Design and develop the COBOL solution
-
Test and deploy the COBOL application
-
Evaluate the results and make improvements
Attend COBOL User Group Meetings
Show steps
Attend COBOL user group meetings to connect with other COBOL professionals and expand knowledge.
Show steps
-
Locate and attend COBOL user group meetings in the local area.
-
Engage in discussions and presentations to learn from experienced professionals.
Review Basic Programming Concepts
Show steps
Refresh fundamental programming concepts to strengthen the foundation for COBOL learning.
Browse courses on
Programming Fundamentals
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic programming concepts such as variables, data types, and control structures.
- Complete practice exercises to reinforce understanding.
COBOL Programming (Fifth Edition)
Show steps
Review a comprehensive guide to COBOL programming to reinforce the concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book to gain a deeper understanding of COBOL concepts.
- Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter to test understanding.
COBOL Hands-On Tutorials
Show steps
Follow online or in-person tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance to enhance your COBOL programming skills.
Browse courses on
COBOL
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable COBOL tutorial resources
- Work through tutorials covering basic to advanced COBOL concepts
- Implement the concepts learned in practical exercises
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Practice COBOL Basics
Show steps
Practice the basics of COBOL programming language by completing small exercises and drills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the basics of COBOL data types, variables, and operators.
- Complete a series of practice exercises to reinforce the concepts.
Learn COBOL Syntax
Show steps
Explore the syntax of COBOL and understand how to write COBOL code.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow guided tutorials to learn the basics of COBOL syntax.
- Practice writing COBOL code to reinforce learning.
COBOL Code Snippets
Show steps
Create a collection of COBOL code snippets to serve as a reference and reinforce learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify common COBOL programming tasks and write code snippets for each.
- Organize the code snippets into a structured document.
COBOL Coding Drills
Show steps
Engage in repetitive COBOL coding drills to reinforce the fundamentals and improve your coding proficiency.
Browse courses on
COBOL
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set up a COBOL development environment
- Practice writing COBOL code for simple tasks
- Debug and troubleshoot COBOL code
Small COBOL Application
Show steps
Build a simple COBOL application to apply the concepts learned in the course and gain practical experience.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Design a simple COBOL application that meets a specific need.
- Develop the COBOL code for the application.
- Test and debug the application to ensure it functions as expected.
COBOL Project: Business Process Automation
Show steps
Undertake a project that involves automating a business process using COBOL, applying your knowledge and skills to a practical scenario.
Browse courses on
Business Process Automation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define the business process to be automated
- Design and develop the COBOL solution
- Test and deploy the COBOL application
- Evaluate the results and make improvements
Attend COBOL User Group Meetings
Show steps
Attend COBOL user group meetings to connect with other COBOL professionals and expand knowledge.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Locate and attend COBOL user group meetings in the local area.
- Engage in discussions and presentations to learn from experienced professionals.
Career center
Learners who complete Absolute Basics of COBOL will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
The COBOL programming language is a core skill for Computer Programmers who work on business systems. Computer Programmers develop, maintain, and test software applications and systems, and having a strong foundation in COBOL can help you be successful in this role. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Computer Programmers working with legacy systems written in COBOL.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work closely with business stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. COBOL is often used in large-scale business systems, so having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for Systems Analysts. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Systems Analysts who work with systems that use COBOL.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain database systems. They work with stakeholders to understand their data needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. COBOL is often used in business systems that manage large amounts of data, so having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for Database Administrators. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Database Administrators who work with systems that use COBOL.
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and implement software applications and systems. They work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. COBOL is often used in large-scale business systems, so having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for Software Developers. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Software Developers who work with systems that use COBOL.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. They work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. COBOL is not commonly used in web development, but having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for Web Developers who work on projects that integrate with legacy systems written in COBOL. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Web Developers who need to understand or work with COBOL systems.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They work with stakeholders to understand their data needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. COBOL is often used in business systems that manage large amounts of data, so having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for Data Analysts. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Data Analysts who work with systems that use COBOL.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with stakeholders to understand their business needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. They work closely with IT professionals to implement and maintain those solutions. COBOL is often used in large-scale business systems, so having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for Business Analysts. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Business Analysts who work with systems that use COBOL.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with stakeholders to define the project scope, develop the project plan, and track the project progress. COBOL is often used in large-scale business systems, so having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for Project Managers. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Project Managers who work on projects that use COBOL.
IT Manager
IT Manager
IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the IT operations of an organization. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement IT strategies and policies. COBOL is often used in large-scale business systems, so having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for IT Managers. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for IT Managers who work with systems that use COBOL.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan, implement, and maintain the security of an organization's information systems. They work with stakeholders to identify and mitigate security risks. COBOL is often used in large-scale business systems, so having a foundation in COBOL can be beneficial for Information Security Analysts. This course provides an overview of COBOL, its history, and its evolution, which can be valuable knowledge for Information Security Analysts who work with systems that use COBOL.
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
Network Administrators plan, implement, and maintain the networks of an organization. They work with stakeholders to ensure that the network is reliable and secure. COBOL is not commonly used in network administration, but having a foundation in COBOL may be useful for Network Administrators who work with legacy systems that use COBOL.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They work with stakeholders to resolve technical issues and provide training. COBOL is not commonly used in computer support, but having a foundation in COBOL may be useful for Computer Support Specialists who work with legacy systems that use COBOL.
Data Entry Clerk
Data Entry Clerk
Data Entry Clerks enter data into computer systems. They work with stakeholders to ensure that the data is accurate and complete. COBOL is not commonly used in data entry, but having a foundation in COBOL may be useful for Data Entry Clerks who work with legacy systems that use COBOL.
Warehouse Worker
Warehouse Worker
Warehouse Workers receive, store, and ship goods. They work with stakeholders to ensure that the goods are handled safely and efficiently. COBOL is not commonly used in warehouse management, but having a foundation in COBOL may be useful for Warehouse Workers who work with legacy systems that use COBOL.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2sgpfi/absolute
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Absolute Basics of COBOL.
Comprehensive guide to COBOL programming. It covers all aspects of the language, from basic syntax to advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and database access. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced COBOL programmers.
Save
Comprehensive guide to COBOL programming. It covers all aspects of the language, from basic syntax to advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and database access. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced COBOL programmers.
Great introduction to COBOL programming for beginners. It covers the basics of the language, including data types, variables, operators, and control structures. It also includes several examples and exercises to help you practice your skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of COBOL programming, covering the language's history, syntax, and usage. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced COBOL programmers.
Serves as a comprehensive reference for COBOL programmers, covering all aspects of the language.
Great resource for learning COBOL programming in a fun and easy way. It covers all of the basics of the language, including data types, variables, control structures, and file handling.
Provides practical advice and insights for software developers, regardless of their programming language.
Save
Provides a catalog of design patterns that can be used to improve the quality and maintainability of COBOL applications.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2sgpfi/absolute
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Absolute Basics of COBOL.
Code Loops in COBOL
OpenCourser.com/course/zoosfe/code
Code Loops in COBOL
COBOL Fundamentals
OpenCourser.com/course/56d3c9/cobol
COBOL Fundamentals
CICS Application Programming Fundamentals (COBOL)
OpenCourser.com/course/tld2at/cics
CICS Application Programming Fundamentals (COBOL)
IBM COBOL Software Development Practices
OpenCourser.com/course/vq918f/ibm
IBM COBOL Software Development Practices
Mainframe: The Complete COBOL Course From Beginner To Expert
OpenCourser.com/course/nzlg7d/mainframe
Mainframe: The Complete COBOL Course From Beginner To...
Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL
OpenCourser.com/course/kqgpea/getting
Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL
IBM COBOL Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/nzoyf3/ibm
IBM COBOL Basics
COBOL Programming with VSCode
OpenCourser.com/course/y5wmwd/cobol
COBOL Programming with VSCode
IBM COBOL Core
OpenCourser.com/course/1vexve/ibm
IBM COBOL Core
Effort
1.5 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Judy Richardson
Language
English
Good to know
Provides an initial introduction to the COBOL programming language, its history, and its continuing relevance in today's business systems
Valuable for individuals seeking to gain a foundational understanding of COBOL and its applications in business
Provides opportunities for hands-on practice and reinforcement of concepts through optional activities
Led by instructor Judy Richardson, who brings expertise and experience in the field
Course materials are accessible and easy to follow, allowing learners to progress at their own pace
Assumes no prior knowledge of COBOL, making it suitable for beginners
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser