IBM COBOL Core

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

Introduction

# Course Review: IBM COBOL Core on Coursera In an age where modern programming languages often dominate the conversation, it’s easy to overlook the enduring significance of COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language). However, as an indispensable tool for legacy systems in many businesses, learning COBOL can open doors to exciting career opportunities, especially in sectors like finance, government, and large enterprises. The **IBM COBOL Core** course on Coursera offers a comprehensive introduction to this robust programming language, catering to beginners and professionals alike looking to expand their skill set. ## Course Overview The IBM COBOL Core course is meticulously designed to familiarize participants with fundamental features and concepts of COBOL. It emphasizes the language's scalability, maturity, and self-documenting capabilities, making it not only a viable tool for existing applications but also a valuable asset in today’s job market. The structure of the course is straightforward, progressive, and accessible. It promises an engaging journey into COBOL, with modules that encompass essential topics such as numeric usage, structured programming, table handling, and more. ## Course Syllabus Breakdown ### Module 1: Numeric Usage Types, Editing, and Branching The first module focuses on the foundational concepts vital for any COBOL programmer. Here, participants will learn about numeric data types, editing techniques, and branching logic. This module stands out because it delves into defining compound and negated conditions, enhancing your understanding of how to manipulate data efficiently. By clarifying and reducing coding complexity through condition names, this module is particularly valuable for those looking to write cleaner, more understandable code. ### Module 2: Structured Programming, Testing, Debugging, and Reports Moving forward, the second module covers structured programming principles. Participants learn to define calling and called programs - a critical aspect of effective code organization. The emphasis on testing and debugging teaches strategies for maintaining code quality, which is imperative in any programming environment. This module is a treasure trove for anyone who wants to write code that is not only functional but also maintainable and scalable. Gain hands-on experience troubleshooting unstructured code, ensuring you become adept at producing high-quality programs. ### Module 3: Table Handling, Sorting, and Intrinsic Functions The concluding module shifts focus to table handling, sorting, and intrinsic functions, adding more depth to the knowledge gained in previous sections. Participants will explore various intrinsic functions and understand the sort/merge process, which is invaluable for manipulating data sets. The coverage of sequential search techniques enhances your toolkit for data management, making this a comprehensive wrap-up of COBOL's capabilities. ## Recommendations The IBM COBOL Core course is highly recommended for individuals interested in diving into COBOL programming. Its structured approach allows you to build a strong foundational understanding while applying what you learn in practical contexts. Whether you are a student, a seasoned developer looking to upskill in legacy systems, or someone exploring a career switch into the IT sector, this course has something to offer. Furthermore, the practical applications of COBOL in vital industries make this course a timely investment. With many businesses still relying on COBOL for their operations, the skills acquired here can vastly enhance your employability and set you apart in the competitive job market. ## Conclusion Overall, the IBM COBOL Core course on Coursera is an engaging and comprehensive introduction to a powerful language that still plays a critical role in the industry. With its thorough syllabus, expert instructors, and hands-on approach, this course is a must-take for anyone serious about programming, especially in environments that heavily utilize legacy systems. Enjoy your journey through the fascinating world of COBOL!

Syllabus

Numeric Usage Types, Editing, and Branching

In the first module of this course, we will discuss numeric usage types, editing, and branching, including defining compound and negated conditions, describing four condition names to clarify and reduce coding, using switches in a program, and describing numeric data types of display.

In the second module of this course, we will discuss structured programming, testing, debugging, and reports, including, defining a calling program and called program, describing types and components of reports, listing steps for proper testing and strategies, recognizing and correcting unstructured code, describing the components of structured programming, and creating readable and maintainable code.

In the third module of this course, we will discuss table handling, sorting, and intrinsic functions, including, listing six types of intrinsic functions, describing the sort/merge process, using three examples of sequential search, and describing basic table terminology.