A COBOL developer specializes in the COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) programming language, which is primarily used in business, finance, and administrative systems. Despite being one of the oldest programming languages (developed in the 1950s), COBOL is still widely used in legacy systems, especially in large organizations like banks, government agencies, and insurance companies.
Key Responsibilities of a COBOL Developer:
- Maintaining legacy systems: COBOL developers often work on maintaining and enhancing existing systems that run on COBOL, as these systems are deeply integrated into the operations of many organizations.
- Developing new features: In addition to maintaining systems, developers may be required to create new functionalities and integrate them into existing COBOL programs.
- Migrating or modernizing systems: As some organizations transition from COBOL to more modern platforms, developers are often involved in translating, migrating, or interfacing COBOL code with newer technologies.
- Debugging and troubleshooting: COBOL developers fix bugs and issues that arise in the software to ensure smooth operations.
- System integration: COBOL developers may work on connecting COBOL-based systems with modern software or databases.
Essential Skills for a COBOL Developer:
- Proficiency in COBOL: Understanding of core COBOL syntax, including procedures, modules, and data handling.
- Mainframe experience: Experience with mainframe computers like IBM’s z/OS, as COBOL is often used on these systems.
- Batch and Online Processing: Knowledge of how COBOL is used for both batch processing (processing data in large groups) and online transaction processing.
- Knowledge of JCL (Job Control Language): Many COBOL programs are executed using JCL in mainframe environments.
- Database Knowledge: Understanding of databases commonly used with COBOL, such as DB2 or VSAM.
- Experience with legacy system management: Familiarity with older systems and architectures, as many COBOL developers work on maintaining long-standing platforms.
