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COBOL Fundamentals

Tom Taulli

COBOL is a common language for the mainframe. In this course, you will learn the basics of this language and will be able to create your own applications.

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COBOL is a common language for the mainframe. In this course, you will learn the basics of this language and will be able to create your own applications.

COBOL is a ubiquitous language for the mainframe, but it is primarily focused on business applications. In this course, COBOL Fundamentals, you’ll get a broad overview of these capabilities by having exercises to learn the core concepts of COBOL. First, you'll explore how COBOL has the typical features of any language, such as variables, loops, conditionals, and functions, and how it has important business functions which go beyond the typical language. Next, you'll explore how to use COBOL to create tables – similar to a spreadsheet – and sophisticated reports. Finally, you'll learn how the language also allows for reading in different types of files, which are integrations with transaction systems like CICS and databases. When you’re finished with this course, you'll have the knowledge to write your own COBOL program.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Discovering COBOL
Working with Data
Understand Conditionals and Loops
Read more
Using Files
Learning About Tables and Reports

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Students with an interest in the mainframe computer system will benefit from this course
Suitable for students who seek to create business applications
While the lessons may be more basic, they are robust enough to build a foundational understanding in COBOL
Students will have a chance to work with tables, similar to spreadsheets, through this program
Learners will learn to create sophisticated reports which may hold immense value
Students who desire to read different types of files and integrate them with transaction systems like CICS and databases will benefit from this course

Save this course

Save COBOL Fundamentals to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 COBOL Fundamentals with these activities:
Read COBOL: Fundamentals
Review the course's provided textbook before the course begins to become familiar with key concepts and terms.
View Modern Mainframe Development on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first chapter
  • Go over the glossary
  • Identify any unfamiliar concepts or terms
Follow COBOL tutorials
Completing additional tutorials will boost your understanding of COBOL programming.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Find COBOL tutorials online
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
Develop a COBOL program outline
Creating an outline of a COBOL program will strengthen your foundational understanding of the COBOL programming language and its structure.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Define the goal of the program
  • Identify the input and output variables
  • Identify the main steps of the program
  • Identify which control structures will be used
  • Create a flowchart or pseudocode of the program
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Join a COBOL study group
Joining a study group will allow you to interact with other students who are also learning COBOL and can provide support and motivation.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Find a COBOL study group online or in your local area
  • Attend the study group meetings and actively participate
Solve COBOL coding problems
Practice writing COBOL code to strengthen your understanding and improve your programming skills.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Go through the provided online coding exercises
  • Create your own coding exercises
Attend a COBOL workshop
Attending a COBOL workshop will expose you to new techniques and best practices, and allow you to learn directly from experts in the field.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Identify any relevant COBOL workshops
  • Register for and attend the workshop
  • Actively participate in the workshop and take notes
Develop a COBOL project
By undertaking a COBOL project, you will be able to synthesize your acquired knowledge and skills through the development of a tangible artifact.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world problem that can be solved using COBOL
  • Design and develop a COBOL program to solve the problem
  • Test and debug your program
  • Document your program and its functionality
  • Share your project with others
Help other students with COBOL
Explaining COBOL to other learners solidifies your knowledge and can help you to identify any areas where you need additional reinforcement.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to help others, such as online forums or study groups
  • Provide clear and concise explanations
Network with COBOL professionals
Networking with professionals in the field can open doors to new opportunities and allow you to learn about the latest trends in COBOL development.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Attend COBOL meetups and conferences
  • Connect with COBOL professionals on LinkedIn

Career center

Learners who complete COBOL Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to run. Familiarity with COBOL will allow you to create your own applications in the mainframe.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. COBOL courses can help you better understand and collect data from different types of databases and files.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Database Administrator
Database Administrators maintain and troubleshoot databases. Knowledge of COBOL will help you work with different types of databases and manage data efficiently.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Managers plan, coordinate, and direct the IT activities of an organization. Familiarity with COBOL will allow you to make informed decisions about the use of mainframe applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. A COBOL course can help you understand the different components of a computer system and how they work together.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. Taking a COBOL course can provide you with the skills to create custom software solutions for businesses.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. While COBOL is not a typical language for web development, the knowledge of data structures and programming logic gained from the course can be beneficial.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records. COBOL can be used to create accounting software, and taking a COBOL course can give you an advantage in the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve efficiency. Understanding COBOL can help you better understand the technical aspects of business systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Computer Operator
Computer Operators monitor and maintain computer systems. COBOL courses can provide you with the knowledge to operate mainframe systems and ensure their smooth functioning.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Operator
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for technical products and services. The ability to write COBOL code can help you better understand the subject matter and produce clear and accurate documentation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design and maintain computer networks. COBOL courses can provide you with the knowledge to manage and secure mainframe networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems from unauthorized access and attacks. COBOL courses can help you gain the knowledge to secure mainframe systems and prevent cyber threats.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect and analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends. While COBOL is not a common language for data science, the data analysis skills gained from the course can be beneficial.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
IT Auditor
IT Auditors assess the security and effectiveness of computer systems. A COBOL course can provide you with the knowledge to evaluate the security of mainframe systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Reading list

We've selected six 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 COBOL Fundamentals.
Cover image
ISV IBM zPDT Guide and Reference
Save
A reference guide for COBOL programmers, providing detailed information on the language's syntax, semantics, and usage.
ISV IBM zPDT Guide and Reference
Paperback
Check
ISV IBM zPDT Guide and Reference
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
zOS JCL (Job Control Language)
Save
This comprehensive reference guide from Gary DeWard Brown covers all aspects of COBOL, from its syntax and semantics to its use in various business applications.
zOS JCL (Job Control Language)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Beginning COBOL for Programmers
Save
Practical guide to COBOL programming.
Beginning COBOL for Programmers
Paperback
$$$
Beginning COBOL for Programmers
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Programming VB .NET
Save
Comprehensive guide to COBOL programming, covering all the major concepts and techniques. It good choice for beginners who want to learn the basics of COBOL.
Programming VB .NET: A Guide for Experienced...
Paperback
$$
Programming VB.NET: A Guide for Experienced...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
High Performance Computing
Save
By Thomas Sterling uses a hands-on approach to teach COBOL. It includes numerous examples and exercises that help learners understand the concepts and apply them in practice.
High Performance Computing: Modern Systems and...
Kindle Edition
$$$
High Performance Computing: Modern Systems and...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Healthy Workplace Nudge
Save
A comprehensive guide to COBOL programming, written in an easy-to-understand style that makes it accessible to readers of all levels.
The Healthy Workplace Nudge: How Healthy People,...
Hardcover
$$
The Healthy Workplace Nudge: How Healthy People,...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Time
147 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Tom Taulli
Language
English
Good to know
Students with an interest in the mainframe computer system will benefit from this course
Suitable for students who seek to create business applications
While the lessons may be more basic, they are robust enough to build a foundational understanding in COBOL
Students will have a chance to work with tables, similar to spreadsheets, through this program
Learners will learn to create sophisticated reports which may hold immense value
Students who desire to read different types of files and integrate them with transaction systems like CICS and databases will benefit from this course
Share and help others discover this course.
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