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IBM COBOL Basic Testing and Debugging

Erik Herman

Welcome to IBM COBOL – Basic Testing and Debugging! By enrolling in this course, you are taking a big step in increasing your knowledge and hands on experience with IBM COBOL testing and debugging topics and technologies. In this course, you will describe common errors associated with working with COBOL. You will list file status codes. You will also describe the process of debugging COBOL code. So let’s get started!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to IBM COBOL - Basic Testing and Debugging
In the first module of this course, we will welcome everyone to the course, present the course objectives, and define other pertinent course details.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Describes common COBOL errors to enhance understanding and debugging skills
Covers concepts related to testing COBOL code, benefiting developers responsible for code quality
Utilizes the IBM z/OS Debugger, an industry-standard tool, for practical debugging experience

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Reviews summary

Essential cobol testing & debugging

According to learners, this course offers a practical and hands-on approach to essential COBOL testing and debugging. Students highlight its utility for understanding common COBOL errors and file status codes. The course provides a strong foundation in debugging COBOL code, particularly through detailed coverage of the IBM z/OS Debugger and its core features. Some learners appreciated the inclusion of mainframe unit testing and the Test Drive Development (TDD) methodology in a COBOL context, indicating its relevance for modern practices within legacy environments. While highly valuable for those new to or refreshing basic COBOL debugging, more experienced professionals might find the content foundational rather than advanced.
Best suited for beginners or those seeking a basic skill refresh.
"While excellent for basics, I hoped for more advanced debugging techniques and complex scenarios."
"I found it a good introduction, but more experienced developers might find some parts too simple for their needs."
"It's a solid foundation for anyone new to COBOL debugging, but don't expect highly advanced topics."
Integrates contemporary testing practices like TDD within COBOL context.
"I was surprised and pleased to see TDD concepts applied effectively to COBOL development."
"The segment on mainframe unit testing and TDD was a refreshing and unexpected addition to the curriculum."
"It's great to learn how modern testing principles can still be relevant and used with legacy COBOL codebases."
Clarifies common COBOL errors and how to interpret status codes.
"Understanding common COBOL run-time errors was a huge help for my troubleshooting process."
"The module on file status codes clarified so many issues I've faced in the past."
"This course taught me how to define and handle the most frequent COBOL problems more efficiently."
Provides essential knowledge of the IBM z/OS Debugger.
"The deep dive into the z/OS Debugger was extremely valuable; I now feel confident using it."
"I appreciate the thorough explanation of COBOL debugging options, particularly with z/OS."
"Learning the core features of the z/OS Debugger made a big difference in my ability to troubleshoot effectively."
Focuses on skills directly applicable to real-world COBOL work.
"I found this course incredibly practical for my daily work on mainframe systems."
"The hands-on examples really helped me apply the concepts to my COBOL projects."
"Finally, a course that focuses on real-world COBOL error identification and resolution in a meaningful way."

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 Basic Testing and Debugging with these activities:
Review COBOL Basics
Review the basics of COBOL before starting the course to refresh your memory and ensure that you have a solid foundation in the language.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Review your notes from any previous COBOL courses or tutorials.
  • Complete a few online COBOL tutorials.
  • Read a few articles or blog posts about COBOL.
IBM COBOL Programming Language
Review the IBM COBOL Programming Language book to reinforce your understanding of the COBOL programming language and prepare for the course.
View Integrating Db2 for z/OS Database Changes Into... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the IBM COBOL Programming Language book.
  • Complete the exercises in the IBM COBOL Programming Language book.
Find a COBOL Expert
Reach out to COBOL experts on platforms like LinkedIn or online forums to ask your questions and get advice on your COBOL projects.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Identify a COBOL expert.
  • Reach out to the expert and introduce yourself.
  • Ask your question or request advice.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
IBM COBOL - Getting Started Guide
The IBM COBOL - Getting Started Guide will provide you with a strong foundation in COBOL programming and help you to better understand the course topics.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Read the IBM COBOL - Getting Started Guide.
  • Complete the exercises in the IBM COBOL - Getting Started Guide.
COBOL Study Group
Join a COBOL study group to connect with other students and discuss the course material. This will help you to learn from others and reinforce your understanding of the concepts.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Find a COBOL study group online or in your local area.
  • Attend the study group meetings.
  • Participate in the discussions.
COBOL Code Examples
Create a collection of COBOL code examples that demonstrate the concepts covered in the course. This will help you to reinforce your understanding of the material and improve your programming skills.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Identify the concepts covered in the course.
  • Write COBOL code examples that demonstrate each concept.
  • Test and debug your code examples.
  • Document your code examples.
COBOL Coding Challenges
Challenge yourself with a set of COBOL coding challenges. This will help you to improve your problem-solving skills and apply the concepts covered in the course to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Find a set of COBOL coding challenges online or in a book.
  • Attempt to solve the coding challenges.
  • Debug and test your solutions.
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Contribute to the IBM COBOL Open Source Project
Contribute to the IBM COBOL open source project. This will help you to gain experience in a real-world COBOL project and apply the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Find a task or issue on the IBM COBOL GitHub repository.
  • Fork the repository and create a branch for your work.
  • Make your changes and test your code.
  • Submit a pull request.

Career center

Learners who complete IBM COBOL Basic Testing and Debugging will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
COBOL Programmer
A COBOL Programmer is someone who writes, debugs, and maintains COBOL programs. COBOL is a programming language that is primarily used for business applications. As a COBOL Programmer, you would be responsible for ensuring that COBOL programs run efficiently and without errors. This course will help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts and provide hands-on experience with IBM COBOL, which could prepare you for a career as a COBOL Programmer.
See salaries and explore the career path for COBOL Programmer
Software Tester
A Software Tester is responsible for testing software applications to ensure that they meet requirements and are free of defects. As a Software Tester, you would be involved in all phases of the software development lifecycle, from planning and design to implementation and maintenance. This course will help build a foundation in COBOL testing concepts, including common COBOL errors, file status codes, and the process of debugging COBOL code.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester
Software Developer
A Software Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. As a Software Developer, you would work with a team of other developers to create software that meets the needs of users. This course will help build a foundation in COBOL debugging concepts and provide hands-on experience with the IBM z/OS Debugger.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. As a Systems Analyst, you would work with users to determine their needs and then design systems that meet those needs. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs work and how to troubleshoot problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Computer Programmer
A Computer Programmer is responsible for writing, debugging, and maintaining computer programs. As a Computer Programmer, you would work with a team of other programmers to create software that meets the needs of users. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL debugging concepts and provide hands-on experience with the IBM z/OS Debugger.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. As a Database Administrator, you would work with a team of other administrators to ensure that databases are available and performant. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs interact with databases and how to troubleshoot problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Information Technology Manager
An Information Technology Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing information technology systems. As an Information Technology Manager, you would work with a team of other managers to ensure that IT systems meet the needs of the organization. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs fit into the overall IT infrastructure.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. As a Project Manager, you would work with a team of other project managers to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to scope. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs are developed and tested.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing and defining business requirements. As a Business Analyst, you would work with a team of other analysts to identify and document the needs of users. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs are used to meet business needs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for testing and evaluating software applications to ensure that they meet quality standards. As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you would work with a team of other analysts to develop and execute test plans. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing concepts, including common COBOL errors and file status codes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer is responsible for writing and editing technical documentation. As a Technical Writer, you would work with a team of other writers to create documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs work and how to troubleshoot problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Computer Systems Analyst
A Computer Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. As a Computer Systems Analyst, you would work with a team of other analysts to create systems that meet the needs of users. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs work and how to troubleshoot problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst
IT Auditor
An IT Auditor is responsible for reviewing and evaluating IT systems to ensure that they are secure and compliant. As an IT Auditor, you would work with a team of other auditors to identify and mitigate risks. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs work and how to troubleshoot problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst is responsible for analyzing and interpreting data to identify trends and patterns. As a Data Analyst, you would work with a team of other analysts to develop reports and recommendations. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs are used to process and store data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. As a Network Administrator, you would work with a team of other administrators to ensure that networks are available and performant. This course may help build a foundation in COBOL testing and debugging concepts, which could be helpful for understanding how COBOL programs interact with networks and how to troubleshoot problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Basic Testing and Debugging.
Cover image
New Ways of Running Batch Applications on z/OS:...
Save
Comprehensive reference for COBOL programming. It good resource for COBOL programmers who want to have a complete reference book.
New Ways of Running Batch Applications on z/OS:...
Paperback
Check
New Ways of Running Batch Applications on z/OS:...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Introduction to the New Mainframe: IBM z/VSE Basics
Save
Is the official language reference for the COBOL programming language. It provides comprehensive coverage of all the features of the language, including syntax, semantics, and examples.
Introduction to the New Mainframe: IBM z/VSE Basics
Paperback
Check
Introduction to the New Mainframe: IBM z/VSE Basics
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Pragmatic Programmer
Save
Classic guide to software development. It covers a wide range of topics, including testing, debugging, and refactoring.
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery,...
Hardcover
$$
Pragmatic Programmer, The: From Journeyman to Master
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Pragmatic Programmer - Edizione del 20°...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Il Pragmatic Programmer: Guida per manovali del...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) The Pragmatic Programmer: access to the highest...
Paperback
$$
Pragmatic programmer (Korean Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Micro Focus Personal COBOL 2.0 for DOS
Save
Guide to COBOL programming. It good resource for COBOL programmers who want to learn more about the language and its features.
Micro Focus Personal COBOL 2.0 for DOS
Paperback
Check
Micro Focus Personal COBOL 2.0 for DOS
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
zOS JCL (Job Control Language)
Save
Simplified guide to COBOL programming. It covers all the essential topics, from data types and control structures to file handling and database programming.
zOS JCL (Job Control Language)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
IBM Z Integration Guide for Hybrid Cloud
Save
Comprehensive guide to COBOL programming. It covers all the essential topics, from data types and control structures to file handling and database programming.
IBM Z Integration Guide for Hybrid Cloud
Paperback
Check
IBM Z Integration Guide for Hybrid Cloud
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Streamline Business with Consolidation and...
Save
Provides a cheat sheet for the COBOL language. It good resource for COBOL programmers who need a quick reference guide for the language.
Streamline Business With Consolidation and...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Beginning COBOL for Programmers
Save
Comprehensive guide to COBOL programming for beginners. It covers all the basics of the language, from its syntax to its data types and control structures.
Beginning COBOL for Programmers
Paperback
$$$
Beginning COBOL for Programmers
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Integrating Db2 for z/OS Database Changes Into a...
Save
Provides a set of coding standards for COBOL programming. It valuable resource for COBOL programmers who want to improve the quality of their code.
Integrating Db2 for z/OS Database Changes Into a...
Paperback
Check
Integrating Db2 for z/OS Database Changes Into a...
Kindle Edition
Check

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LearnQuest
IBM
Instructor
Erik Herman
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a collection called IBM Mainframe Developer. It's comprised of six courses:
  1. IBM COBOL Data and File Management
  2. IBM COBOL Core
  3. IBM COBOL Basics
  4. IBM COBOL Software Development Process
  5. IBM COBOL Basic Testing and Debugging (viewing)
  6. IBM COBOL Software Development Practices
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Describes common COBOL errors to enhance understanding and debugging skills
Covers concepts related to testing COBOL code, benefiting developers responsible for code quality
Utilizes the IBM z/OS Debugger, an industry-standard tool, for practical debugging experience
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