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This course (and its associated Part 2) have become the de facto standard introduction to the COBOL programming language for all those working in z Systems environments.<br><br>This first course teaches how to write and maintain simple COBOL programs. It is taught using a combination of classroom tuition and hands-on practical exercises, and includes realistic case studies.<br><br>As well as public presentations, this course is available for one-company, on-site presentations. When run exclusively for one organisation, the case studies can be customised to reflect the client's particular environment and work-load.

An understanding of basic computing terms and techniques. For those who will be working in an IBM mainframe environment, a conceptual-level understanding of that environment and the ability to use TSO/ISPF is also expected.

describe the structure and purpose of COBOL programs
write, compile and test structured COBOL batch programs
code both IDENTIFICATION and ENVIRONMENT DIVISIONS
code data descriptions within the DATA DIVISIONS
access sequential files from COBOL programs
perform arithmetic operations in COBOL programs.

Introduction to COBOL Programming

Programming concepts; low and high level programming; development; compiling; COBOL history; Program design; Preparing a program.

COBOL Programming Basics

Syntax descriptions; COBOL divisions; COBOL program structure; Words; Word examples; Literal examples; Figurative constants; User-defined words; Standard COBOL program format.

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION; IDENTIFICATION DIVISION sentences; Use of comments.

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION; CONFIGURATION SECTION; INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION; Relationship with JCL.

DATA DIVISION

DATA DIVISION; Data record structure and levels; Data records - example; FILE SECTION; Coding rules & recommendations; WORKING-STORAGE SECTION; Describing data; PICTURE clause; Alphanumeric & alphabetic data; Numeric data; Setting initial values.

PROCEDURE DIVISION - File Handling

PROCEDURE DIVISION; I/O statements; OPEN /CLOSE statements; OPEN /CLOSE examples; READ / WRITE statements; READ / WRITE examples; Writing print headings and lines; MOVE statement; MOVE examples; Group MOVE; DISPLAY; Terminating a program; RETURN-CODE.

PROCEDURE DIVISION - Program Logic

Paragraphs; GO TO statement; Structured programming; In-line PERFORM; Paragraphs & sections; Using sections; PERFORMing a section; PERFORM example; PERFORM . . THROUGH; PERFORM UNTIL; PERFORM VARYING...UNTIL.

ACCEPT and Date Intrinsic Functions

ACCEPT; Using ACCEPT for input data; ACCEPT date data format; Intrinsic functions; CURRENT-DATE function; Other date functions - YYYYMMDD date format; Other date functions - YYYYDDD date format.

Arithmetic Operations

Arithmetic operations; Other common options; The ADD statement; The SUBTRACT statement; CORRESPONDING statement; MULTIPLY statement; DIVIDE statement; COMPUTE statement; Size errors; ON SIZE ERROR option; Arithmetic functions; Arithmetic functions examples.

Conditional Processing

Conditional processing; IF statement format; Relational conditions; Class conditions; Sign condition; Multiple conditions; Nested IF statements; 88 level identifiers; Setting 88 levels; The EVALUATE statement; EVALUATE and multiple fields; EVALUATE using TRUE & FALSE; Using ANY.

Program Compilation

The COBOL compiler; Compiler-directive statements - COPY; Compiler listing - COPY; Compiler options.

COBOL Errors & Abends

Error messages; Abend codes; Abend information; CEEDUMP.

Upcoming Trainings

Join our public courses in our South Africa facilities. Private class trainings will be organized at the location of your preference, according to your schedule.

Classroom / Virtual Classroom

15 May 2024