Journal of Information Systems Education (JISE)

Volume 6

Volume 6 Number 3, Pages 155-158

Fall 1994


The Resurgence of COBOL: Considerations for the Future


Ronald J. Kizior
Loyola University - Chicago
Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Abstract: The COBOL language is alive and well. There are those who deny this and contend that 'COBOL is Dead.' There are five important factors which contradict that statement. First, industry is finding a resurgence in the importance and use of COBOL. Second, COBOL's environment has switched from mainframe to the distributed level of PCs. Third, academic institutions have also changed to teaching COBOL on the PC level. Fourth, additions and refinements to the COBOL syntax show an evolutionary development is in process. Last, continued improvement in the standards and cooperation between CODASYL, ANSI and ISO help creates a language that is accepted not only in the United States but also internationally. These factors all contribute to the continued use, education and enhancement of the COBOL language.

Keywords: COBOL, Curriculum, Object orientation

Download this article: JISE - Volume 6 Number 3, Page 155.pdf


Recommended Citation: Kizior, R. J. (1994). The Resurgence of COBOL: Considerations for the Future. Journal of Information Systems Education, 6(3), 155-158.