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Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL

Tim Slate

This course serves as an introduction to programming in COBOL, especially on the Mainframe, through use of a real-world example program.

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This course serves as an introduction to programming in COBOL, especially on the Mainframe, through use of a real-world example program.

COBOL seems to have more lives than a herd of cats. The death of COBOL has been touted for years - nay, decades. Yet, according to some estimates, there are well over 200 BILLION lines of COBOL code out there - and more code is being generated every day. In this course, Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL, you will learn many of the basics of the oft underestimated language that is COBOL by using it to solve a real-world business request. First, you'll learn all about the history of COBOL. Next, you'll explore the COBOL program structure. Finally, you'll wrap up this course by learning about data types and then trying your hand at writing a real-world COBOL program. By the end of this course, you'll understand the basics of COBOL, including being able to successfully write your own programs.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Getting Started
Understanding COBOL Source Code Structure
Getting Friendly with Flat Files, VSAM Files, and Report Files
Read more
Using Strange Data Types
Making COBOL Do Your Bidding
Seeing Your First COBOL Program in Action

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores COBOL, which is a prevalent programming language within enterprise computing
Introduces students to the world of mainframe computing
Provides an engaging example program for practicing COBOL
Covers different data types commonly used in COBOL programming
Teaches how to handle flat files, VSAM files, and report files in COBOL

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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 Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL with these activities:
Find a COBOL Mentor
Connect with an experienced COBOL professional who can provide guidance and support.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Attend industry events or meetups to network with COBOL professionals.
  • Reach out to COBOL experts on LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms.
Review COBOL History
Refresh your memory about the history of COBOL to better contextualize your learning in this course.
Browse courses on COBOL
Show steps
  • Read online articles about the history of programming languages and COBOL specifically.
  • Read the course text chapter on the history of COBOL.
  • Review examples of early COBOL code.
COBOL Study Group
Collaborate with peers to reinforce your understanding of COBOL concepts.
Show steps
  • Join an online or in-person COBOL study group.
  • Attend regular meetings and actively participate in discussions.
  • Work together on COBOL exercises and projects.
One other activity
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Show all four activities
Data Types Practice
Practice working with COBOL data types to gain proficiency.
Browse courses on Data Types
Show steps
  • Complete exercises in the course textbook on COBOL data types.
  • Find online resources with COBOL data type exercises and complete them.
  • Create your own COBOL program that uses a variety of data types. You can use the example program in the course as a starting point.

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
COBOL Programmer
COBOL Programmers deal specifically with the programming language COBOL, which is an especially popular language on the mainframe. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL can be an especially helpful resource for those looking to get into this particular subfield, as it is a hands-on introduction to programming in COBOL. You'll learn about reading and writing flat files and VSAM files, working with different data types, and how to compile your code. By the end, you'll have written your own COBOL program, giving you the foundational skills you need to get started in the field.
Applications Developer
An Applications Developer is a kind of software engineer who specializes in creating and maintaining applications. They may work across a variety of industries, but can expect to work with code regularly. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL can be a helpful resource for those looking to begin a career in Applications Development, as it teaches the basics of programming in COBOL, a foundational language in the field. The course covers concepts like variables, operators, and arrays, which are fundamental to learning how to write code.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers work with code on a daily basis, translating designs into instructions that computers can understand. For those looking to get into the field, Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL can be an especially helpful resource. The course introduces the basics of programming in COBOL, a widely-used language that remains especially popular on the mainframe. You'll even learn how to write your own COBOL program by the end of the course, an important skill for aspiring Computer Programmers looking to get started in the field.
Software Developer
Software Developers design, create, deploy, and maintain software applications. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL can be a helpful resource for those looking to begin a career in Software Development, as it teaches the basics of programming in COBOL, an important foundational language in the field.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of software systems. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL can be a helpful resource for those looking to begin a career in Software Engineering, as it teaches the basics of programming in COBOL, an important foundational language in the field.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts play an important role in understanding how data can be used to address business questions. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL can be a useful resource for aspiring Data Analysts, as it provides a hands-on introduction to working with data in COBOL. Specifically, you'll learn how to read and write flat files and VSAM files, skills that are especially relevant to Data Analysts.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are in charge of the day-to-day operations of an organization's database, which involves ensuring that the database is available, reliable, and secure. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL may be a useful resource for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches the basics of working with data files in COBOL, which database systems use to store data.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts define the business needs of an organization and translate those needs in technical terms that IT professionals can understand. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL may be a useful resource for aspiring Systems Analysts, as it provides a hands-on introduction to working with data and programming in COBOL, essential skills for understanding the technical side of an organization's IT systems.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. While Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL does not teach specific cybersecurity concepts, it does introduce key programming concepts like variables, operators, and arrays, which are fundamental building blocks for understanding how systems operate. Thus, this course may serve as a helpful resource for those looking to build a foundation in programming with a particular emphasis on the mainframe.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists provide technical assistance and support to customers, typically over the phone or email. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL may be a useful resource for those looking to enter this field, as it teaches the basics of working with data and programming in COBOL, skills that can be helpful for understanding customer issues.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL is likely not a relevant resource for those looking to become Data Scientists, as it does not cover any data science concepts or skills.
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL is likely not a relevant resource for those looking to become Web Developers, as it does not cover any web development technologies or concepts.
Actuary
Actuaries analyze the financial implications of risk and uncertainty. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL is likely not a relevant resource for those looking to become Actuaries, as it does not cover any actuarial science concepts or skills.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts evaluate and make recommendations on investments, financial products, and services. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL is likely not a relevant resource for those looking to become Financial Analysts, as it does not cover any investment or financial analysis concepts or skills.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze an organization's business processes and systems to identify opportunities for improvement. Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL is likely not a relevant resource for those looking to become Business Analysts, as it does not cover any business analysis concepts or skills.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Getting Started with Mainframe COBOL.
Provides an up-to-date, practical guide to COBOL programming. It is valuable for both new and experienced COBOL programmers who want to learn or refresh their skills.
Comprehensive guide to COBOL programming, covering the language's fundamentals, data structures, and programming techniques. It provides a solid foundation for those new to COBOL and serves as a valuable reference for experienced programmers.
This introduction of essential COBOL concepts and coding techniques includes running examples that demonstrate essential COBOL concepts and coding techniques.
Offers a contemporary perspective on COBOL, emphasizing its relevance and applicability in modern software development. It explores advanced COBOL features and techniques, making it suitable for experienced programmers seeking to expand their knowledge.
Focuses on the practical application of COBOL programming in a business context, making it valuable for those seeking to use COBOL in their professional roles.
This textbook is commonly used in academic settings to teach COBOL and provides a well-rounded introduction to the language.
Provides a thorough overview of COBOL programming and is suitable as a reference or for self-study.
This comprehensive textbook covers the fundamentals of COBOL programming and is commonly used in educational settings.
Provides a practical, hands-on introduction to COBOL programming, including real-world examples.
Is an accessible introduction to COBOL, written in a clear and engaging style. It is ideal for beginners with no prior programming experience who want to learn the basics of COBOL.

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