Learn COBOL-VARIANTS with Real Code Examples

Typically structured in divisions and paragraphs

File-centric and batch-oriented architecture

Supports procedural and object-oriented programming

Often integrates with mainframe databases and transaction managers

Execution order follows procedural flow with PERFORMs and GOTO handling

Batch programs process sequential or indexed files

Online transaction COBOL interacts with terminals and DBs

OO-COBOL allows objects and methods for modularity

Integration scripts handle database or service calls

Execution flow determined by PERFORM, IF, and GOTO statements

Procedural batch-oriented

Object-oriented modularization (modern COBOL)

MVC-like separation for transaction processing

Service integration for modern variants

Mainframe-centric architecture for stability

Banking transaction processing systems

Payroll and HR management systems

Insurance claim processing

Government tax and social security systems

Retail order and inventory management

Readable English-like syntax

Structured programming for maintainability

File-oriented data processing

Separation of data and procedure divisions

Backward compatibility for decades-old systems

Optimize file access with indexed or relative files

Split large batch jobs into smaller units

Use subprograms and copybooks for modularity

Leverage modern COBOL features for concurrent processing

Monitor performance metrics on mainframe

Assess legacy COBOL programs for modernization

Replace deprecated constructs with modern equivalents

Integrate with modern databases or APIs

Test thoroughly on new platforms

Maintain version control for continuity