Introduction to CoBOL

Introduction to CoBOL

This is a two day hands-on programming course that is designed to get an absolutely novice programmer familiarized and trained in coding in CoBOL. This is a beginner level course and assumes no prior CoBOL experience.

Expected Outcome:

• Concepts of programming using the COBOL language
• OpenCobolIDE interface and the entire framework
• Identification Division
• Environment Division
• Data Division
• Procedure Division
• Analysis of the code and its logic

Prerequisites:

In order to be able to participate in this course, the learner needs to comply with the following conditions:

• Programing experience (in any language)
• Access to PC [either one of these OS: MS Windows / Mac / Linux (ubuntu)]
• Full admin / root access to the above mentioned PC
• Experience and understanding of filing system
• Internet connection
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Dual screens
• Very basic understanding of server architecture
• Ability to comprehend the English language
• Minimum 99% attendance
• Basic education in mathematics (understanding of linear and non-linear mathematics at high-school level)

Course Outline:

1. Module 1
   1. Review on programming fundamentals
   2. Setting up the environment
   3. IDE exploration
   4. Hello World
2. Module 2
   1. Variables In A COBOL Program
   2. The Basics Of How A COBOL Program Is Set Up
   3. COBOL Variables
   4. Organizing the Data Division
   5. Comments - letter to your future self
   6. COBOL Copylibs
   7. Debugging A COBOL Program
   8. The DISPLAY Statement
   9. The ACCEPT Statement
   10. Data validation
3. Module 3
   1. Conditions structure in CoBOL
   2. Nested Conditions
   3. The EVALUATE statement
   4. Loop structure in CoBOL
   5. Indefinite loops
   6. Definite loops
   7. For-loop equivalent
   8. Combining loops with conditions
4. Module 4
   1. COBOL Tables
   2. COBOL Linear Search
   3. COBOL Binary Search
   4. Paragraphs and Sections
   5. Identification Division
   6. Environment Division
   7. Data Division
   8. Procedure Division
5. Module 5
   1. Creating An Output Report File From An Input File
   2. COBOL Subprograms And Linkage
   3. A COBOL Program Example Of LINKAGE And Subprograms
   4. COBOL Programs And JCL
6. Module 6
   1. Hands-on practice
   2. Assessment