Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ibm-cobol-basics
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of programming languages, COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) stands out as a stalwart, particularly in the realm of business applications. If you’re looking to dive into this mature and scalable language, the IBM COBOL Basics course on Coursera is an excellent starting point. This blog post will detail my experience with the course, review its content, and recommend it for aspiring programmers.
Course Overview
The IBM COBOL Basics course offers a comprehensive introduction to COBOL, tracing its history and evolution while providing practical coding experience. The course is structured into four main modules:
- Introduction to COBOL: This module lays the foundation by discussing the origins of COBOL, its purpose, and its user base. You will also learn about the divisions of COBOL and the role of the compiler.
- COBOL Components, Numbers, Data Types: Here, you will delve into records of fixed and variable sizes, COBOL hierarchy, and clauses, culminating in hands-on coding exercises.
- Structure and Syntax: This module focuses on coding practices, including scope terminators, the Initialize statement, I/O statements, and compiling simple programs.
- Arithmetic and Beautiful Numbers: The final module covers arithmetic operations in COBOL, the significance of symbols, and data editing techniques.
What I Liked
One of the standout features of this course is its structured approach. Each module builds on the previous one, making it easy for beginners to grasp complex concepts. The hands-on coding exercises are particularly beneficial, allowing learners to apply what they’ve learned in real-time. Additionally, the course materials are well-organized and easy to follow, which is crucial for those new to programming.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for anyone interested in learning COBOL, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to refresh your skills. Given COBOL’s continued relevance in many large organizations, this course can also be a valuable asset for professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects in fields like finance, government, and enterprise software development.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the IBM COBOL Basics course on Coursera is a fantastic introduction to a language that has stood the test of time. With its engaging content, practical exercises, and clear explanations, it equips learners with the foundational skills needed to start coding in COBOL. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to expand their programming repertoire.
Enroll Today!
If you’re ready to embark on your COBOL journey, head over to Coursera and enroll in the IBM COBOL Basics course. Happy coding!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ibm-cobol-basics