What are some good resources for getting started with COBOL programming?

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+3 Q:

I'm thinking about learning COBOL. Where should I start?

+5 A:

I started with this excellent tutorial.

There is an open-source COBOL compiler called OpenCOBOL which you could use to work through the exercises.

And a COBOL Portal.

nzpcmad 2009-02-03 21:27:15

Holy cow. "New May 2002".

joeforker 2009-02-03 21:28:54

+2 A:

I did Cobol during the Y2K time, Cobol was the easy part, the nightmare was JCL or Job Control Language to run your Cobol programs, what a disaster!

I really, really would like to know why you even are thinking of learning Cobol

SQLMenace 2009-02-03 21:31:32

I won't tell you why I am thinking of learning COBOL, but I will tell you I knew I would get some good answers by asking.

joeforker 2009-02-04 02:02:33

+2 A:

You could always just go to the original manuals.

Sorry, couldn't resist ;)

Steve B. 2009-02-03 21:40:16

+1 though you really don't deserve it ;-)

BlackWasp 2009-02-03 21:57:44

I was going to suggest "a time machine," so you were more helpful than I would have been.

Nosredna 2009-02-09 15:56:33

IBM i5/OS Information Center link:

I know very little about this language so I can't tell you how much of the language information is IBM-specific.

twblamer 2009-02-03 21:53:44

There are also:

and

Also, the Murach books are supposed to be very good.

tonyriddle 2009-02-09 15:53:03

+1 A:

Please refer to the book of SHELLY CASHMAN FOREMAM,STRUCTURED COBOL PROGRAMMING SECOND EDITION.I studied this book and its really helpful.

2009-08-04 08:35:21

ansaurus