Murach’s Mainframe COBOL from Pluralsight

This course, which is based on the book called Murach’s Mainframe COBOL, will teach the essentials of the COBOL language, reports, file handling, CICS (for transactions) and DB2 (for databases).

Are looking for employment opportunities with COBOL development? In this course, the learner will get comprehensive instruction on three main themes of COBOL development. First, there will be a look at using the VS Code editor and how to connect this to a live mainframe. This platform will allow for a better understanding of the fundamentals of the language, such as the commands, data structures, and the use of tools like JCL to compile and launch programs. Next, there will be a look at tables, reports and file handling. These are critical for COBOL development since the focus is on business applications. And finally, the course will look at specialized use cases. These include CICS, which allows for real-time processing of user input, and DB2, which is a relational database. At the end of this course, the learner will have the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful entry-level COBOL developer.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introducing COBOL

Setting Up a COBOL Environment

Learning COBOL Syntax

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Tom Taulli, who are recognized for their work in COBOL development

Develops COBOL, file handling, CICS, and DB2, which are core skills for programmers

Examines COBOL, which is highly relevant to business applications

Offers hands-on labs and interacive materials

Suitable for beginners with no prior COBOL knowledge

Teaches industry-standard COBOL syntax and techniques

Reviews summary

Practical mainframe cobol for career success

According to students, this course provides a strong foundation in COBOL for mainframe development, making it highly practical for those seeking entry-level developer roles. Learners consistently praise the hands-on approach with a live mainframe connection and the clear, step-by-step instruction, characteristic of the Murach style. While covering essentials like CICS and DB2, some reviewers noted that for very advanced topics or optimization, additional resources might be beneficial. The course is particularly effective for those new to mainframe development, with useful labs and practical exercises that solidify understanding. Setting up the COBOL environment with VS Code was generally straightforward, though a few found it a bit challenging initially, requiring some troubleshooting.

Provides strong essentials but may lack advanced optimization.

"This course is excellent for foundational knowledge, but I wished for more advanced performance tips."

"It's perfect for entry-level, but if you're already an intermediate programmer, some sections might feel too basic."

"I learned the essentials, and for deeper dives into complex topics, I plan to seek additional resources."

Presents complex COBOL topics in an understandable way.

"The course broke down COBOL syntax and concepts into easily digestible modules."

"I found the explanations for CICS and DB2 very clear, even as a beginner to these systems."

"It's a comprehensive overview, yet it doesn't overwhelm you with information, which is great."

Features extensive practical exercises and live mainframe access.

"Connecting to a live mainframe and coding felt like I was already on the job."

"The labs and practical examples were the most valuable part of my learning experience."

"I appreciated the hands-on coding assignments; they solidified my understanding significantly."

Equips learners with practical, job-ready COBOL skills.

"I feel confident applying for COBOL roles after completing this course."

"This course provided me with the practical tools and strategies I needed for mainframe development."

"The focus on business applications truly prepares you for real-world scenarios and employment."

Initial setup of the VS Code and mainframe connection can be tricky.

"Setting up the mainframe connection took a bit more troubleshooting than I expected."

"I encountered some initial hurdles with the VS Code environment setup, but eventually got it working."

"The instructions for setting up the environment were good, but I still needed some external help initially."

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 Murach’s Mainframe COBOL with these activities:

Solve COBOL practice problems

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Reinforce your understanding of COBOL syntax and concepts through repetitive practice.

Browse courses on COBOL Programming

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Find online COBOL practice problems or create your own.
Solve the problems using the COBOL concepts you've learned.
Check your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Follow COBOL tutorials on CICS and DB2

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Enhance your COBOL skills by exploring specialized use cases through guided tutorials.

Browse courses on CICS

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Identify reputable online or offline tutorials on CICS and DB2 for COBOL.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, implementing the concepts in your own COBOL environment.
Experiment with the techniques learned to gain practical experience.

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Career center

Learners who complete Murach’s Mainframe COBOL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mainframe Programmer

For those looking to become a Mainframe Programmer, Murach’s Mainframe COBOL is a comprehensive course that covers the fundamentals of COBOL programming. With its focus on using VS Code editor to connect to a live mainframe, learners gain a deep understanding of the language, preparing them for the tasks involved in mainframe programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mainframe Programmer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain computer programs. Murach’s Mainframe COBOL is a valuable resource for those seeking to become Computer Programmers, providing a comprehensive introduction to COBOL programming, including CICS and DB2, which are commonly used in business applications.

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COBOL Developer

Murach’s Mainframe COBOL is a valuable resource for aspiring COBOL Developers, covering essential programming fundamentals such as data structures and commands, as well as specialized use cases like CICS and DB2. This knowledge will equip learners with the skills they need for developing business applications in COBOL.

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COBOL Programmer

This course, Murach’s Mainframe COBOL, is a suitable introduction to the skills needed for a COBOL Programmer. COBOL is a programming language used to create business applications, allowing programmers to create programs that handle everything from calculations to file management. This course covers the basics of COBOL, including reports, file handling, CICS, and DB2, all of which are relevant to the work of a COBOL Programmer.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing computer systems. Murach’s Mainframe COBOL course provides a strong foundation for this role, covering essential programming concepts and tools like JCL, CICS, and DB2. By understanding COBOL, Systems Analysts can effectively analyze and implement business systems.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. Murach’s Mainframe COBOL provides a solid foundation for this role, covering essential programming concepts and tools commonly used in systems analysis and design, such as COBOL, CICS, and DB2.

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Data Analyst

Murach’s Mainframe COBOL covers essential programming concepts and tools used in data analysis, such as tables, reports, and file handling. Data Analysts looking to enhance their technical skills may find the course useful for understanding how COBOL is used in data analysis and reporting.

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Database Administrator

The Murach’s Mainframe COBOL course offers a valuable introduction to DB2, a relational database commonly used in business applications. Those aspiring to become Database Administrators will benefit from the course's coverage of DB2, which is essential for managing and maintaining databases in this role.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts play a crucial role in bridging the gap between business and technology. Murach’s Mainframe COBOL provides a foundation in COBOL programming, commonly used in business applications. By understanding COBOL, Business Analysts can better communicate with technical teams and contribute to developing effective business solutions.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and other technical products. Murach’s Mainframe COBOL provides a foundation in COBOL programming, enabling Technical Writers to better understand the subject matter they are documenting and create accurate and informative technical content.

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Software Engineer

Though not specifically tailored for Software Engineers, Murach’s Mainframe COBOL may provide a helpful introduction to the COBOL language, which is still used in some business applications. Software Engineers looking to expand their knowledge or work with legacy systems may find the course beneficial.

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Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists support and maintain computer systems and networks. Murach’s Mainframe COBOL may prove beneficial for those seeking to become Information Technology Specialists, providing a basic understanding of COBOL programming, which is still used in some legacy systems.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. Murach’s Mainframe COBOL may be beneficial for Project Managers working on projects involving COBOL development, providing them with a basic understanding of the language and its applications.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. While not directly related to web development, Murach’s Mainframe COBOL may provide a helpful introduction to programming fundamentals, data structures, and the use of development tools, which can be transferable skills for Web Developers.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods to extract knowledge and insights from data. Murach’s Mainframe COBOL may be of limited relevance to Data Scientists as it focuses on COBOL programming, which is not commonly used in data science. However, the course may provide a basic understanding of data structures and file handling, which are general programming concepts.

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Murach’s Mainframe COBOL

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical mainframe cobol for career success

Activities

Career center

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