May 1, 2024
Updated June 21, 2025
25 minute read
An Introduction to COBOL: Understanding Its Past, Present, and Future
COBOL, an acronym for Common Business-Oriented Language, is a high-level programming language with a history stretching back to 1959. It was specifically designed for business data processing needs, emphasizing readability and maintainability. This English-like syntax was a deliberate choice, intended to make programs understandable even by individuals without deep technical expertise. While newer languages like Python and Java have gained widespread popularity for many modern applications, COBOL continues to be a critical component of the global technology infrastructure, particularly within established sectors. Exploring COBOL can be an intriguing path for those interested in the backbone of many large-scale systems and for individuals seeking specialized roles in the tech industry.
Working with COBOL offers a unique perspective on how massive volumes of data are processed in critical systems. For instance, a significant portion of banking transactions and government administrative functions still rely on COBOL programs. This means that understanding COBOL can provide insight into the operational core of major financial institutions and public services. Furthermore, the ongoing need to maintain and modernize these legacy systems creates a consistent, if niche, demand for COBOL skills, offering a potentially stable and rewarding career trajectory.
What is COBOL?
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Find a path to becoming a COBOL. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 20 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
COBOL.
Is widely considered a standard for learning structured COBOL programming on IBM mainframes. It is highly recommended for beginners and professionals alike, covering core COBOL concepts and essential mainframe topics like TSO, ISPF, JCL, VSAM, CICS, and DB2. It is often used as a textbook and a job-reference.
Focuses on modern COBOL development using Micro Focus Visual COBOL. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary COBOL practices and integrating COBOL with technologies like .NET and Java. It's suitable for developers looking to modernize COBOL applications.
Is specifically designed for COBOL programmers working with CICS (Customer Information Control System) on IBM mainframes. It covers the essential CICS commands and concepts needed to develop interactive COBOL applications. It widely used textbook and reference.
Explores contemporary mainframe development, including the role of COBOL, databases, and integrating mainframes with newer technologies. It is relevant for understanding the current landscape of COBOL within enterprise IT and modernization efforts.
Serves as a comprehensive tutorial and reference for established programmers looking to learn COBOL. It covers ANS 85 COBOL features and techniques, including file handling, string manipulation, and an introduction to object-oriented COBOL. It is suitable for those with prior programming experience.
This is the official IBM documentation for Enterprise COBOL on z/OS. It is an essential reference for programmers working in this specific environment, providing detailed information on language features, compiler options, and system interfaces. It high-difficulty reference for professionals.
While not strictly a COBOL book, this must-read for anyone working with COBOL on IBM mainframes. It provides essential background on Job Control Language (JCL), which is necessary for compiling and running COBOL programs in a mainframe environment. It classic reference in the field.
Introduces COBOL programmers to working with DB2 databases on IBM mainframes. It covers the fundamentals of embedded SQL in COBOL programs for database interaction. It valuable resource for those working with COBOL applications that access DB2.
A practical handbook for COBOL programmers. covers everything you need to know to get started with COBOL, including basic syntax, data types, control structures, and file handling. Written by an experienced COBOL programmer, this book is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced programmers alike.
Provides practical guidance on developing CICS applications using COBOL. It how-to guide with an emphasis on techniques, structures, and style, offering numerous examples. It's a useful resource for programmers needing to work with CICS.
Aims to help readers master COBOL programming. It likely covers a range of topics to build proficiency in the language. It can be a valuable resource for those looking to move beyond the basics.
Focuses on COBOL programming in the IBM AS/400 (now IBM i) environment. It is relevant for those working with COBOL on this specific platform, covering the nuances of COBOL/400.
Offers a structured approach to learning COBOL over three weeks. It covers fundamental concepts and builds towards creating COBOL applications. It can be a valuable resource for self-learners aiming to quickly grasp the language basics.
Focuses on structured programming principles using COBOL as the example language. It is beneficial for understanding good programming practices and design within the context of COBOL development.
A guide to structured programming with COBOL. covers the principles of structured programming, including modularity, top-down design, and data abstraction. Written by an experienced COBOL programmer, this book is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced programmers alike.
Provides a gentle introduction to the COBOL language for absolute beginners. It covers the basics of COBOL programming in an accessible manner, making it a good starting point for those with no prior programming experience or those in high school exploring the language.
This technical reference manual for the ANSI-85 COBOL standard. It is not a tutorial but provides detailed syntax and usage information for experienced COBOL programmers. It valuable reference tool for clarifying language features.
This quick reference guide specifically for GNU COBOL, a free and open-source COBOL compiler. It handy resource for developers using GNU COBOL who need quick access to syntax and command information.
A guide to COBOL web services programming. covers the techniques for creating COBOL web services, including using SOAP, WSDL, and REST. Written by an experienced COBOL programmer, this book is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced programmers alike.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/ip95w4/cobo
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