IBM COBOL Basics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ibm-cobol-basics

Introduction

## Review and Recommendation: IBM COBOL Basics Course on Coursera ### Course Overview In an age where technology evolves at lightning pace, it's intriguing to realize that some foundational programming languages stand the test of time. One such stalwart is COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language), a language that, despite its age, continues to play a crucial role in the world of business applications. The **IBM COBOL Basics** course on Coursera offers a unique opportunity to dive into this classic programming language. This foundational course is designed for individuals interested in understanding the legacy and utility of COBOL in modern computing environments. With a focus on its historical significance and practical applications, the course teaches participants how to write basic COBOL programs, making it perfect for beginners or those looking to revisit programming fundamentals. ### Detailed Course Breakdown The course comprises four modules, each designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive introduction to COBOL. 1. **Introduction to COBOL**: - This module sets the stage by covering the history of COBOL and its purpose in contemporary business settings. Aspiring programmers will learn about the language's division structure and understand how compilers function, laying a solid groundwork for what’s to come. 2. **COBOL Components, Numbers, Data Types**: - Here, learners delve into the various components of COBOL, including records and data types, which are essential for effective coding. The module culminates in hands-on coding exercises that enable students to practice what they've learned about COBOL’s hierarchical structure. 3. **Structure and Syntax**: - In the third module, participants explore key coding elements such as scope terminators, I/O statements, and the Initialize statement. By compiling and linking simple programs, learners gain practical experience in understanding COBOL's program structure and syntax. 4. **Arithmetic and Beautiful Numbers**: - The final module rounds out the course with a focus on arithmetic operations within COBOL. Participants will engage with data editing and learn the importance of symbols in crafting "beautiful" COBOL code, enhancing both readability and functionality. ### Course Experience The IBM COBOL Basics course is well-structured and user-friendly, making it easy for learners to follow along. The instructors use a clear and engaging teaching style, ensuring that even those who may find programming daunting can grasp complex concepts. Moreover, the hands-on coding opportunities in each module empower learners to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, solidifying their understanding. ### Why You Should Take This Course 1. **Relevance in Today’s Job Market**: - Many organizations continue to rely on COBOL for their mission-critical systems. With a significant number of COBOL programmers approaching retirement, there is an increasing demand for new talent in this area. By taking this course, you position yourself as a valuable asset to employers in the finance and banking sectors, among others. 2. **Solid Foundation in Programming**: - COBOL is known for its readability and structure, making it an excellent language for beginners to learn programming concepts. This course provides a strong foundation that can be beneficial in understanding more complex programming languages in the future. 3. **Hands-on Coding Experience**: - Unlike many introductory courses, the IBM COBOL Basics course includes ample practical coding exercises. This approach ensures that you not only learn the theory but also gain the confidence to write your own COBOL programs. 4. **Flexible Learning**: - Offered on the Coursera platform, this course allows you to learn at your own pace, making it suitable for those with busy schedules. ### Conclusion In summary, the IBM COBOL Basics course on Coursera stands out as an excellent choice for anyone eager to learn about COBOL. With its well-defined syllabus, engaging instructional methods, and practical coding components, this course is a valuable gateway into the world of programming. Whether you are looking to enhance your skill set for career advancement or simply have a keen interest in programming, I wholeheartedly recommend this course. Buckle up and embark on your journey through the intriguing landscape of COBOL—you won’t regret it!

Syllabus

Introduction to COBOL

Welcome to your first module in IBM COBOL Basics! This module will take the beginning steps in learning and using COBOL. As we navigate through, you will learn about the birth of COBOL, the purpose of COBOL, and who uses COBOL. We will then move to learning about the divisions of COBOL, its structure, and the purpose of the compiler.

Congratulations on making it through your first module! In this module, we’ll work on records of fixed and variable sizes, COBOL hierarchy, and clauses, wrapping up with some hands-on COBOL coding.

In this module we are going to get right to work and learn about scope terminators and how they’re used. Learn to code the Initialize statement and its purpose. Utilize I/O statements, move statements, use return-code, and compile and link simple programs.

Welcome to module four! Congratulations on making it to our final module of the course! In this module we learn the arithmetic behind COBOL, use of symbols and why they’re important for enhanced pictures, and perform data editing with numbers.