Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ibm-cobol-basics
In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, it’s easy to overlook the foundational languages that power much of our modern infrastructure. COBOL, often perceived as a relic, is anything but. It remains a vital language for countless businesses, and I recently had the opportunity to dive into its world with the “IBM COBOL Basics” course on Coursera. I can confidently say it was an eye-opening and highly rewarding experience.
The course begins by tracing the fascinating history and evolution of COBOL, highlighting its enduring relevance due to its scalability, maturity, and self-documenting nature. From the very first module, “Introduction to COBOL,” I was impressed by how effectively the instructors broke down complex concepts. We explored the ‘why’ behind COBOL, its purpose, and the industries that still rely heavily on it. Understanding the divisions, structure, and the crucial role of the compiler laid a solid groundwork for everything that followed.
Moving into “COBOL Components, Numbers, Data Types,” the course transitioned into practical application. Working with fixed and variable-sized records, understanding COBOL hierarchy, and grasping different data types were made accessible through clear explanations and, crucially, hands-on coding opportunities. This practical element is where the course truly shines. Being able to write and compile your own simple COBOL programs provides an invaluable sense of accomplishment and reinforces learning.
The subsequent modules, “Structure and Syntax” and “Arithmetic and Beautiful Numbers,” delved deeper into the intricacies of the language. Learning about scope terminators, the `INITIALIZE` statement, I/O operations, and `MOVE` statements were all presented in a digestible manner. The ability to compile and link simple programs felt like a significant milestone. The final module, focusing on arithmetic, symbols, and data editing, showcased how COBOL handles numerical data with precision – a testament to its robust design.
What I appreciated most about this course was its ability to demystify a language that might seem intimidating at first glance. The instructors are clearly passionate about COBOL and have a knack for making even the most technical aspects understandable. The hands-on coding exercises are well-integrated and allow learners to immediately apply what they’ve learned.
For anyone looking to understand the backbone of many enterprise systems, explore a career in legacy modernization, or simply expand their programming repertoire, I wholeheartedly recommend the “IBM COBOL Basics” course. It’s a well-structured, engaging, and practical introduction to a language that continues to shape the business world. Don’t let its age fool you; COBOL is still very much alive and kicking, and this course is the perfect way to start your journey with it.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ibm-cobol-basics