Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/software-development-practices
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, some languages stand the test of time, and COBOL is undoubtedly one of them. Often misunderstood or overlooked, COBOL remains a foundational language for countless critical systems worldwide. If you’re looking to delve into the world of enterprise software development or understand the backbone of many financial and government institutions, the “IBM COBOL Software Development Practices” course on Coursera is an excellent starting point.
This comprehensive course is designed for anyone with an interest in COBOL or software development in general. It provides a thorough introduction to the core practices, systems, and methodologies that define IBM’s approach to COBOL software development. One of the most fascinating aspects highlighted is COBOL’s nature as a self-documenting language, a feature that significantly aids in maintainability and understanding, especially when working with legacy code.
The syllabus is meticulously structured to guide learners through essential stages of the development lifecycle. It begins with a warm welcome and clearly outlines the course objectives. The second module dives deep into the crucial task of documenting COBOL code, emphasizing its self-documenting capabilities and the importance of clear documentation for various audiences. You’ll learn how to document existing, potentially undocumented code, a vital skill in real-world scenarios.
Moving on, the course tackles the practical challenge of working with existing COBOL code. This module equips you with the skills to identify necessary changes, make informed decisions about the extent of modifications, and leverage modern tools for code analysis. This is particularly valuable for developers stepping into environments with established COBOL systems.
Quality Assurance (QA) and Technical Support are given their due importance in the fourth module. You’ll gain insights into managing bugs effectively, understanding COBOL ticketing systems, and grasping the fundamental concepts of technical support within a COBOL environment. Finally, the course concludes with an exploration of Technical Project Management, specifically tailored to the COBOL Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). You’ll learn about project management principles, agile and scrum methodologies in a COBOL context, and essential project management competencies.
Overall, the “IBM COBOL Software Development Practices” course offers a robust and practical education. It demystifies COBOL development, providing a solid foundation for those looking to maintain, enhance, or even develop new applications using this enduring language. Whether you’re a student, a seasoned developer looking to expand your skillset, or a project manager overseeing COBOL-based projects, this course is highly recommended for its clarity, depth, and practical relevance.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/software-development-practices