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Code Loops in COBOL

Judy Richardson

Judy Richardson

In this project, you will enhance your COBOL skills by learning to incorporate loops into your COBOL code. A loop enables a program to repeat a set of steps over and over until the process is complete. Since one of COBOL’s strengths is its ability to process large volumes of data, using loops is an essential skill for any COBOL programmer. Although COBOL is an old language, skilled COBOL programmers are in demand, since it is estimated that up to 70% of large corporations still use COBOL for processing data in their mission-critical systems.

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Develops a core skill set that is fundamental to COBOL programming

Emphasizes the ongoing use of COBOL in critical modern systems

Introduces a foundational concept (looping) that is essential for COBOL programmers

Taught by an instructor with undisclosed experience or expertise in COBOL programming

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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 Code Loops in COBOL with these activities:

Review COBOL Basics

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Review fundamental COBOL concepts to strengthen foundational knowledge before diving into loops.

Browse courses on COBOL

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Go over basic COBOL syntax
Practice writing simple COBOL programs
Review data types and variables

Organize Course Notes on Loops

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Review and consolidate your lecture notes and other course materials on loops to improve comprehension and retention.

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Go over lecture notes and identify key concepts
Organize notes logically, highlighting important points
Create summaries or flashcards for quick review

Explore COBOL Loop Tutorials

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Seek out online tutorials or resources that provide additional guidance and examples on COBOL loops.

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Search for COBOL loop tutorials on websites like TutorialsPoint or GeeksforGeeks
Follow the tutorials and practice the concepts
Apply what you've learned to your own COBOL programs

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Loop Exercise Set

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Complete a series of exercises designed to reinforce loop concepts and improve understanding.

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Write loops to iterate through arrays
Create loops with different conditions and increment/decrement values
Debug and troubleshoot loops

Loop Discussion Forum

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Engage in discussions with peers to clarify concepts, share knowledge, and learn from others' experiences with loops.

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Join or create a COBOL loop discussion forum
Ask questions and share your insights
Participate in discussions to enhance your understanding

Create a COBOL Program with Loops

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Develop a practical COBOL program that incorporates loops to reinforce skills and apply knowledge.

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Design the program's logic and structure
Write code for the loop functionality
Test and debug the program

COBOL Loop Coding Challenge

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Participate in a coding challenge or competition to test your loop skills and learn from others.

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Find a COBOL loop coding challenge or competition
Study the problem and design a solution
Implement the solution and submit your code

Loops in a Real-World Application

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Engage in a project that simulates a real-world scenario where loops are essential for efficient data processing.

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Identify a problem or task that can benefit from loop implementation
Design a COBOL program incorporating loops to solve the problem
Implement the program and test its functionality

Career center

Learners who complete Code Loops in COBOL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

COBOL Programmer

COBOL programmers build and maintain programs written in the COBOL programming language. These programs can process large volumes of data quickly and efficiently. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL would be particularly useful to you as a COBOL Programmer, as they would help you build a strong foundation in the skills necessary to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for COBOL Programmer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Data Analyst, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as data processing and analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Software Developer, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as programming and software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Systems Analyst, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as systems analysis and design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, develop, and maintain databases. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Database Administrator, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as database management and administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain computer programs. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Computer Programmer, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as programming and software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan, implement, and maintain computer security systems. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as an Information Security Analyst, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as computer security and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve business processes. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Business Analyst, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as data analysis and business process improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Technical Writer, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as writing and editing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and control projects. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Project Manager, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as project planning and management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software products to ensure they meet quality standards. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Quality Assurance Analyst, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as software testing and evaluation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Network Administrator, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as network design and administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Web Developer, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as web design and development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Data Scientist, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as data analysis and machine learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. Courses like Code Loops in COBOL may be useful to you as a Machine Learning Engineer, as they would help you build a foundation in the technical skills necessary to succeed in this role, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

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 Code Loops in COBOL.

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Micro Focus Personal COBOL 2.0 for DOS

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This official guide from Micro Focus, the leading provider of COBOL solutions, offers a comprehensive reference for COBOL programming. While it may not specifically address loops, it's an invaluable resource for understanding COBOL's syntax and best practices.

Micro Focus Personal COBOL 2.0 for DOS

Micro Focus Personal COBOL 2.0 for DOS

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Cover image

ISV IBM zPDT Guide and Reference

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An official guide from IBM that provides authoritative information on COBOL programming, covering all aspects of the language.

ISV IBM zPDT Guide and Reference

ISV IBM zPDT Guide and Reference

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Cover image

Discovering Computers

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Good choice for COBOL programmers who want to learn more about comprehensive COBOL. It covers a variety of comprehensive COBOL topics, including loops.

Discovering Computers

Discovering Computers

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Cover image

Schaum's Outline of Theory and Problems of...

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Good choice for COBOL programmers who want to learn more about tutorial COBOL. It covers a variety of tutorial COBOL topics, including loops.

Schaum's Outline of Theory and Problems of...

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Cover image

Beginning COBOL for Programmers

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Presents the latest developments and trends in COBOL programming, discussing modern techniques and applications.

Beginning COBOL for Programmers

Beginning COBOL for Programmers

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Cover image

zOS JCL (Job Control Language)

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Good choice for those who want to learn COBOL quickly and easily. It covers the basics of the language in a clear and concise manner, making it ideal for beginners.

zOS JCL (Job Control Language)

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Effort

2 Hours

Level

Intermediate

Via

Coursera

Institution

Coursera Project Network

Instructor

Judy Richardson

Language

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops a core skill set that is fundamental to COBOL programming

Emphasizes the ongoing use of COBOL in critical modern systems

Introduces a foundational concept (looping) that is essential for COBOL programmers

Taught by an instructor with undisclosed experience or expertise in COBOL programming

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Share to help others discover this course.

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