COBOL Course

The four main divisions, the traditional fixed-column layout of COBOL, and defining variables in memory.

1. 1.1Program StructureUnderstand the skeleton of a COBOL file, mandatory divisions (IDENTIFICATION, ENVIRONMENT, DATA, PROCEDURE), and the fixed format.~10 min
2. 1.2Variables and PICTUREDeclare variables in WORKING-STORAGE SECTION using level numbers, the PIC clause (X, 9, V), and the VALUE clause.~12 min

COBOL formal arithmetic, the COMPUTE expression, and conditional control with IF and EVALUATE.

1. 2.1COBOL ArithmeticPerform calculations using ADD, SUBTRACT, MULTIPLY, DIVIDE mathematical statements and use the generic COMPUTE statement.~12 min
2. 2.2Decisions with IF and EVALUATEBranch code execution using IF-ELSE-END-IF conditions and manage multiple choices with the EVALUATE statement.~12 min

Define and organize code in reusable paragraphs, and run controlled iterative loops.

1. 3.1Paragraphs and PERFORMBreak the PROCEDURE DIVISION into logical blocks called paragraphs and invoke them in an orderly fashion using PERFORM.~12 min
2. 3.2Loops and IterationsManage repetitive loops by defining numerical cycles with PERFORM TIMES and conditional cycles with PERFORM UNTIL.~15 min

Defining and using complex structures (group items) and repeating data in tables using OCCURS.

1. 4.1Group Items and RecordsUnderstand and structure data hierarchically in records and subordinate group fields.~12 min
2. 4.2Tables and OCCURS ClauseStore and manipulate arrays of data using the OCCURS clause and 1-based indexing.~15 min

Definition, association, and manipulation of external files for sequential batch processing.

1. 5.1File Definition & File-ControlAssociate logical files to physical files using SELECT and ASSIGN in the ENVIRONMENT DIVISION, and define their records in the FILE SECTION.~15 min
2. 5.2File I/O OperationsManage the lifecycle of sequential files in the PROCEDURE DIVISION using OPEN, READ, WRITE, and CLOSE.~15 min