Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cobol-programming-vscode
In today’s fast-paced tech world, programming languages often come and go. But one language that stands the test of time is COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language). Despite being over six decades old, COBOL remains the backbone of many financial and business systems worldwide. As Professor Tak Auyeung of American River College eloquently states, “A programming language is not a fashion statement; it is used for a purpose.” This understanding inspired me to enroll in the ‘COBOL Programming with VSCode’ course on Coursera, and I must say, the experience was enlightening.
### Course Overview
The course offers a comprehensive introduction to COBOL, targeting novices who wish to understand not just the syntax but also the purpose and application of this enduring language. With a syllabus that covers essential areas such as COBOL basics, program structure, and data manipulation, learners gain a foundational understanding that prepares them for real-world programming tasks.
### What You’ll Learn
1. **COBOL Basics**: The course starts with a solid foundation, giving insights into the history and evolution of COBOL while focusing on its current relevance in the software development landscape.
2. **COBOL Structure and Cross-Program Communication**: Understanding how different COBOL programs interact is crucial, and this section covers it brilliantly, showcasing the structured nature of COBOL programming.
3. **Defining and Manipulating COBOL Data Names/Types**: As programmers, handling data efficiently is vital. This portion of the course teaches the variety of data types in COBOL and how to manipulate them effectively.
### Teaching Style and Resources
Professor Tak Auyeung’s teaching style is engaging and easy to follow. He uses practical examples and hands-on projects that allow learners to apply their knowledge immediately. The integration of VSCode, a popular code editor, makes the programming exercises more streamlined and user-friendly. The course also provides ample resources, including supplementary reading materials, practice quizzes, and a supportive community where learners can ask questions and share insights.
### Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideally suited for complete beginners who are new to programming and those who have experience but are looking to expand their skill set into legacy systems. Additionally, professionals looking to enhance their career prospects—especially in industries that rely on COBOL—will find this course invaluable.
### Conclusion
Overall, ‘COBOL Programming with VSCode’ is a well-structured, informative, and engaging course that not only teaches the fundamentals of COBOL programming but also emphasizes its relevance in today’s software development world. I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to harness the power of COBOL in their programming journey.
With the demand for COBOL developers on the rise, there’s no better time to dive in and learn this essential programming language.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/cobol-programming-vscode