Why Learn COBOL in the Modern Programming Landscape

COBOL, the Common Business Oriented Language, has been in use for over 50 years and continues to play a critical role in the world of business and IT. Here, we explore the reasons to learn COBOL in an era dominated by more contemporary programming languages like Java and Python.

Market Demand and Salaries

While the pool of COBOL programmers may not be as deep as for languages like Java or Python, the demand for skilled professionals remains. Many major companies rely on COBOL for running business-critical applications. Smartly, those with COBOL mainframe experience are highly sought after, leading to competitive salaries on job sites. Additionally, as the older generation of COBOL programmers retires, the need for new talent increases.

Job Security and Career Stability

Due to the vast amount of legacy code still in use, COBOL continues to be a stable choice for a long-term career. Learning one language well can provide substantial job security and career opportunities. Retroactively, incumbent COBOL programmers are valuable assets, and the learning curve, while steep, is rewarded with robust job prospects.

Unparalleled Longevity in Programming

COBOL was designed for intelligent, professional programmers with a deep understanding of software longevity and stability. This legacy makes COBOL an enduring choice for critical applications that need to function reliably over decades. Its applications are extensive, with billions of lines of COBOL code still in use today. From financial systems to military operations, COBOL's legacy is secure and continues to be updated and maintained.

Unique Thinking and Problem-Solving

Engaging with COBOL forces programmers to think in different ways. This can be particularly beneficial to developers who need to approach problems from a unique perspective. For instance, after 40 years of programming, writing a COBOL program to solve a specific issue came more naturally than attempting to replicate the solution in another language. This unique mindset can be immensely useful down the line when you encounter challenges that require COBOL's syntax and structure.

Working with Legacy Datasets

A strong understanding of COBOL can be invaluable for processing legacy datasets. Knowing how to read COBOL copybooks can save a lot of time and frustration when dealing with legacy data. For example, being able to extract data from a COBOL system and convert it into a more manageable format, like CSV, can be a significant advantage. This skill is often not achievable in as efficient a manner with other programming languages like Python when dealing with undelimited BCD data.

In conclusion, learning COBOL in today's rapidly evolving technology landscape is not just about nostalgia or legacy; it is about acquiring a unique set of skills that can be incredibly beneficial in the long run. COBOL is a language that has stood the test of time and is likely to continue to be relevant for many years to come.