How can you code COBOL models effectively?

1 Use structured programming

Structured programming is a technique that organizes code into modules, subroutines, and functions that have clear inputs and outputs. This makes the code easier to read, debug, and maintain. It also reduces the chances of errors and inconsistencies. You can use structured programming in COBOL by using the DIVISION, SECTION, and PERFORM statements to create logical blocks of code that perform specific tasks.

2 Follow naming conventions

Naming conventions are rules that define how to name variables, constants, files, and other elements in your code. They help you and other programmers to understand the purpose and scope of each element. They also make the code more consistent and professional. You can follow naming conventions in COBOL by using prefixes, suffixes, and abbreviations that indicate the type, level, and usage of each element. For example, you can use WS- for working storage items, FD- for file descriptions, and PIC for picture clauses.

3 Use comments and documentation

Comments and documentation are texts that explain the logic, functionality, and assumptions of your code. They help you and other programmers to understand the code better and to modify it if needed. They also make the code more reliable and transparent. You can use comments and documentation in COBOL by using the asterisk (*) or the slash (/) symbols to start a comment line, and by using the IDENTIFICATION, ENVIRONMENT, and DATA divisions to provide information about the program, the system, and the data.

4 Use standard libraries and frameworks

Standard libraries and frameworks are collections of pre-written code that provide common functions and features for your program. They help you to save time and effort by reusing existing code that has been tested and verified. They also make the code more compatible and interoperable with other programs and systems. You can use standard libraries and frameworks in COBOL by using the COPY statement to include external files, and by using the CALL statement to invoke external subprograms.

5 Use optimization techniques

Optimization techniques are methods that improve the performance and efficiency of your code. They help you to reduce the execution time, the memory usage, and the resource consumption of your program. They also make the code more robust and scalable. You can use optimization techniques in COBOL by using the COMPUTE statement instead of the ADD, SUBTRACT, MULTIPLY, and DIVIDE statements, by using the COMP or BINARY data types instead of the DISPLAY data types, and by using the SORT and MERGE verbs instead of manual sorting and merging algorithms.

6 Test and debug your code

Testing and debugging are processes that check and correct the errors and bugs in your code. They help you to ensure the accuracy, validity, and quality of your program. They also make the code more secure and reliable. You can test and debug your code in COBOL by using the ACCEPT and DISPLAY statements to input and output data, by using the IF, EVALUATE, and PERFORM statements to create conditional and looping logic, and by using the STOP RUN statement to terminate the program.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?