COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is the second oldest programming language, having been around for over 60 years. As a result, anyone interested in becoming a COBOL programmer has access to a large number of legacy programs and code. A person interested in becoming a COBOL programmer can learn the language through self-study, but most aspiring programmers opt for a formal education in computer science or another programming curriculum. To compete in the job market, those seeking to work as a COBOL programmer for a technology company must have a bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
Data and control structures are the foundation of any programming language, so understanding them is required to become a COBOL programmer. This is relatively simple, as there are numerous free online COBOL courses available to anyone interested in becoming a COBOL programmer. Many experienced COBOL programmers interact with one another in a variety of online forums, in addition to free online courses. These forums can help people who want to learn COBOL in a variety of ways, such as reviewing code structure and syntax or assisting with debugging.
Those who are serious about becoming a COBOL programmer can earn certification in the language, demonstrating proficiency to potential clients and employers. The Institute for Data Center Professionals administers the certification, which is widely recognized in the industry. The basics of COBOL programming, including the use of structured programming techniques and the programmers’ proficiency in the design, coding, and testing of COBOL programs, are tested on the certification exam. The certification exam also covers advanced COBOL programming concepts, such as array processing techniques and transaction processing.
After mastering the language, those interested in becoming COBOL programmers must decide whether to work as independent consultants or seek a job as a COBOL programmer at a company. Independent consultants can work on a wide range of projects from the convenience of their own homes. Although this option provides a lot of freedom and flexibility, the pay and workload can be quite variable. As a result, many people interested in becoming COBOL programmers will start their careers working as an on-staff COBOL programmer.