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IBM COBOL Software Development Process

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.

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

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Review a reference for COBOL to become familiar with the syntax, the structure, and the functionality of its standard library.

Browse courses on COBOL

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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)

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Review the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) to refresh your knowledge of the different phases of software development.

Browse courses on Software Development Lifecycle

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Read about the SDLC.
Identify the different phases of the SDLC.
Understand the purpose of each phase.

Learn COBOL basics with online tutorials

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Follow online tutorials to learn the basics of COBOL, including data types, variables, operators, control flow, and file I/O.

Browse courses on COBOL

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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

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Review mainframe computing concepts

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Prepare yourself for the course's material by reviewing the core concepts needed for mainframes.

Browse courses on Mainframe Computing

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Research the evolution of mainframe computers
Review the architecture of IBM z/OS and COBOL.

Practice writing COBOL code

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Build stronger foundational skills by practicing writing COBOL code.

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Create sample COBOL programs to practice basic syntax.
Practice writing COBOL code for common programming tasks.

Practice writing COBOL programs

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Write simple COBOL programs to practice your skills and reinforce your understanding of COBOL syntax and semantics.

Browse courses on COBOL

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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

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Practice using Agile and Scrum methodologies to improve your teamwork and project management skills.

Browse courses on Agile

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Join an Agile or Scrum team.
Participate in team meetings and ceremonies.
Help the team to deliver software.

Create a simple COBOL application

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Create a simple COBOL application to demonstrate your understanding of COBOL and its capabilities.

Browse courses on COBOL

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Design the application.
Write the COBOL code for the application.
Test and debug the application.

Engage with your COBOL study group members

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Collaborate with your study group members, share your understanding of COBOL and help others to learn.

Browse courses on COBOL

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Join a COBOL study group.
Participate in group discussions.
Share your learning with others.

Review of previous COBOL course materials

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Review the notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams from your previous COBOL course to refresh your knowledge of the subject.

Browse courses on COBOL

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Project Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

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.

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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.

IBM COBOL Software Development Process

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Essential ibm cobol sdlc fundamentals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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