IBM COBOL Basic Testing and Debugging from Coursera

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.

Common COBOL Errors

In the second module of the course, we will describe common errors associated with working with COBOL. By the end of this module, you will be able to define COBOL run-time errors; list file status codes; and describe common COBOL errors.

Testing

In the third module of the course, we will describe core concepts and topics related to testing COBOL code. By the end of this module, you will identify COBOL compile options and their usage(s) within a testing context; describe mainframe unit testing; define the test drive development (TDD) methodology in a COBOL context.

Debugging

In the fourth module of the course, we will describe the process of debugging COBOL code. By the end of this module, you will list concepts and topics related to detecting, diagnosing, and eliminating bugs; Describe COBOL debugging options; and describe the IBM z/OS Debugger and its core features and functionality.

Congratulations on Completing to IBM COBOL - Basic Testing and Debugging

In this module, we'll congratulate everyone for completing the course, present the completed course objectives, and define other pertinent course details and next steps.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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

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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

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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

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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

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Read the IBM COBOL Programming Language book.
Complete the exercises in the IBM COBOL Programming Language book.

Find a COBOL Expert

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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

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Identify a COBOL expert.
Reach out to the expert and introduce yourself.
Ask your question or request advice.

Five other activities

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IBM COBOL - Getting Started Guide

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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

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Read the IBM COBOL - Getting Started Guide.
Complete the exercises in the IBM COBOL - Getting Started Guide.

COBOL Study Group

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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

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Find a COBOL study group online or in your local area.
Attend the study group meetings.
Participate in the discussions.

COBOL Code Examples

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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