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Erik Herman

This course is geared towards anyone interested in learning about IBM, COBOL, mainframe computing, and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and increasing their knowledge and hands on experience with core concepts and technologies including life cycle and systems analysis concepts, design and structured coding, and a wide variety of topics designed to provide relevant, requisite working knowledge and practical experience.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to IBM COBOL - Software Development Process
In this module, we will welcome everyone to the course, present the course objectives, and introduce ourselves to the class.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores COBOL and mainframe computing, which are standard in many industries
Taught by Erik Herman, who has practical experience in the field
Develops foundational and core skills COBOL and mainframe computing
Covers topics like design, coding, and testing, which are relevant to software development
Provides hands-on experience through exercises and assignments
May require prior knowledge of programming concepts or a willingness to learn independently

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Reviews summary

Essential ibm cobol sdlc fundamentals

According to students, the "IBM COBOL Software Development Process" course provides a strong foundation for understanding the Software Development Lifecycle within IBM mainframe environments. Learners found it highly relevant for professional development, particularly for those working with COBOL or entering this specialized field. While the course excels at explaining lifecycle and systems analysis concepts, some felt the pace might be too slow for experienced developers, and others wished for more extensive hands-on coding and lab exercises to solidify practical application. Overall, it's a largely positive and crucial introductory resource for a specialized career path.
Pacing varies; suitable for beginners but potentially light for advanced users.
"As a beginner in mainframe development, I found the pace just right for understanding complex COBOL concepts without feeling overwhelmed."
"For someone with prior experience, some sections felt a little too introductory and could move faster to more advanced topics."
"I wished for more in-depth discussions on advanced structured coding practices and real-world optimization scenarios."
Provides essential concepts for IBM z/OS and COBOL development processes.
"I finally understood the full Software Development Lifecycle process in a mainframe context, which was a huge benefit for my understanding of our legacy systems."
"Excellent for grasping core lifecycle concepts relevant to IBM COBOL, truly helped me connect the dots for future projects."
"The module on systems analysis was particularly insightful, clarifying many areas of the mainframe environment for me."
Highly valuable for professionals seeking to advance in mainframe careers.
"This course helped me bridge significant knowledge gaps in my mainframe development career, making me more confident in my daily tasks."
"I found the focus on modern design and testing practices crucial for my current work, directly applicable to our IBM COBOL projects."
"The skills taught are directly applicable for anyone involved in IBM COBOL projects or moving into this specialized area."
Opportunities for hands-on practice could be expanded for better skill retention.
"While theoretical concepts were good, I really yearned for more hands-on coding practice, especially for the design modules."
"Some of the demonstrations were helpful, but I felt that full-fledged coding assignments would truly enhance the learning experience."
"I feel like I need more external practice to truly apply the design principles taught; the course material felt a bit theoretical."

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 IBM COBOL Software Development Process with these activities:
Review a COBOL reference
Review a reference for COBOL to become familiar with the syntax, the structure, and the functionality of its standard library.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Obtain a COBOL reference guide.
  • Review the sections on data types, variables, and operators.
  • Review the sections on control flow and file I/O.
Review the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Review the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) to refresh your knowledge of the different phases of software development.
Show steps
  • Read about the SDLC.
  • Identify the different phases of the SDLC.
  • Understand the purpose of each phase.
Learn COBOL basics with online tutorials
Follow online tutorials to learn the basics of COBOL, including data types, variables, operators, control flow, and file I/O.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Search for COBOL tutorials for beginners.
  • Choose a tutorial that covers the basics of COBOL.
  • Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review mainframe computing concepts
Prepare yourself for the course's material by reviewing the core concepts needed for mainframes.
Browse courses on Mainframe Computing
Show steps
  • Research the evolution of mainframe computers
  • Review the architecture of IBM z/OS and COBOL.
Practice writing COBOL code
Build stronger foundational skills by practicing writing COBOL code.
Show steps
  • Create sample COBOL programs to practice basic syntax.
  • Practice writing COBOL code for common programming tasks.
Practice writing COBOL programs
Write simple COBOL programs to practice your skills and reinforce your understanding of COBOL syntax and semantics.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Choose a simple COBOL program to write.
  • Write the program using a COBOL editor or IDE.
  • Test and debug the program.
Practice using Agile and Scrum methodologies
Practice using Agile and Scrum methodologies to improve your teamwork and project management skills.
Browse courses on Agile
Show steps
  • Join an Agile or Scrum team.
  • Participate in team meetings and ceremonies.
  • Help the team to deliver software.
Create a simple COBOL application
Create a simple COBOL application to demonstrate your understanding of COBOL and its capabilities.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Design the application.
  • Write the COBOL code for the application.
  • Test and debug the application.
Engage with your COBOL study group members
Collaborate with your study group members, share your understanding of COBOL and help others to learn.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Join a COBOL study group.
  • Participate in group discussions.
  • Share your learning with others.
Review of previous COBOL course materials
Review the notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams from your previous COBOL course to refresh your knowledge of the subject.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Gather your COBOL course materials.
  • Review the materials and identify areas where you need further reinforcement.

Career center

Learners who complete IBM COBOL Software Development Process will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Architect
Software Architects design and build software systems. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course can help build a foundation for this role by offering exposure to SDLC, lifecycle concepts, as well as design and coding practices.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course provides a solid foundation in lifecycle concepts, systems analysis, and design, all of which are relevant to success in this role.
Software Developer
Software Developers create and maintain software programs for various purposes. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course can help build a foundation for this role by teaching about the SDLC, lifecycle concepts, and design and coding practices.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers work with various computer languages to develop software programs that enable companies to operate. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course can help lay a foundation for success in this role by providing exposure to a widely used computer language, COBOL, as well as covering relevant SDLC and life cycle concepts.
Information Technology Project Manager
Information Technology Project Managers lead and oversee IT projects. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course can be useful for those who wish to become Information Technology Project Managers, as it provides a foundation in lifecycle concepts, project management, and leadership.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers build, test, and maintain software. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course can be useful for those who wish to become Software Engineers by teaching the basics of lifecycle concepts, systems analysis, and structured coding.
Software Tester
Software Testers test and evaluate software to ensure it meets requirements. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course can be useful for those who wish to become Software Testers as it offers exposure to lifecycle concepts, systems analysis, and testing practices.
IT Consultant
IT Consultants advise businesses on how to use technology to improve their operations. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course can provide a foundation in lifecycle concepts and systems analysis, both of which are valuable for those who wish to become IT Consultants.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course may be useful for those who wish to become Project Managers as it offers exposure to lifecycle concepts and project management practices.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts identify opportunities to improve business processes and systems. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course can be useful as it offers a solid foundation in lifecycle concepts and systems analysis concepts, both of which are vital for success in this role.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts plan and design computer systems that meet a company's specific needs. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course may be useful for those pursuing this career by offering insights into SDLC, lifecycle concepts and systems analysis concepts.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems from unauthorized access and attacks. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course may be of interest to those wishing to enter this field as it can help build a foundation in lifecycle concepts and systems analysis.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software and other technical products. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course may be of interest to those who wish to become Technical Writers as it offers exposure to lifecycle concepts and systems analysis, both of which are often used in technical writing.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course may be useful for those pursuing this career by providing exposure to lifecycle concepts and systems analysis concepts, both of which are important in this field.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts investigate and analyze data to help businesses make more informed choices. The IBM COBOL - Software Development Process course may be useful for those interested in this field by providing them with exposure to SDLC principles and lifecycle concepts.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 IBM COBOL Software Development Process.
Comprehensive guide to COBOL application development on IBM z/OS. It covers the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance. It is an essential reference for anyone who develops COBOL applications on IBM z/OS.
Provides a comprehensive overview of COBOL programming, covering the basics of the language, data structures, and programming techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about COBOL.
Provides a comprehensive overview of agile software development. It covers the principles of agile development, the different agile methodologies, and the tools and techniques used in agile development. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about agile development.
Provides a comprehensive guide to software construction. It covers the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance. It valuable resource for any software developer.
Provides a comprehensive catalog of design patterns. It covers the principles of design patterns, the different design patterns, and the benefits and drawbacks of each design pattern. It valuable resource for any software developer.
Provides a classic look at software development. It covers the challenges of software development, the different software development methodologies, and the importance of software engineering. It valuable resource for any software developer.
Provides a look at the human side of software development. It covers the importance of teamwork, the different team structures, and the challenges of managing software development teams. It valuable resource for any software developer.
Provides a look at the open source software development model. It covers the history of open source software, the different open source software licenses, and the benefits and drawbacks of open source software development. It valuable resource for any software developer.
Provides a look at the free culture movement. It covers the history of free culture, the different free culture licenses, and the benefits and drawbacks of free culture. It valuable resource for any software developer.
Provides a look at the challenges of innovation. It covers the different types of innovation, the different barriers to innovation, and the different strategies for overcoming the barriers to innovation. It valuable resource for any software developer.
Provides a look at the lean startup methodology. It covers the principles of lean startup, the different lean startup tools, and the benefits and drawbacks of lean startup. It valuable resource for any software developer.
Provides a look at the challenges of starting a new business. It covers the different types of businesses, the different strategies for starting a business, and the different challenges that new businesses face. It valuable resource for any software developer.

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