Debunking the Top 10 Myths Surrounding Cobol Programmers
The enigma surrounding COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) programmers is replete with a host of myths and misconceptions. Often viewed through a lens of outdated stereotypes, the role of a COBOL programmer, and the language itself, is frequently misunderstood. This post aims to debunk the top 10 myths surrounding COBOL programmers, shedding light on the significance of the profession and the crucial role it still plays in the IT industry today.
Myth 1: COBOL is Dead
The most pervasive myth to dispel is the notion that COBOL is a dead language. On the contrary, COBOL remains firmly embedded in the infrastructure of many critical industries, from finance to healthcare. According to Reuters, 95% of ATM swipes use COBOL code, and the language processes 85% of all business transactions. COBOL’s endurance in the face of newer programming languages is testament to its robustness and reliability.
Myth 2: COBOL is Outdated
Building on the first myth, the second major misconception is that COBOL is outdated. While it's true that the language was developed in 1959, a 2017 study by CAST Software revealed that COBOL applications had the lowest defect density when compared to other languages. In essence, its matured design and long-standing use have rendered it more secure and trustworthy.
Myth 3: COBOL Programmers are Dinosaurs
The ageist stereotype that only those from the prehistoric era of computing can code in COBOL is a profoundly misleading claim. Today, many educational institutions, from universities to coding boot camps, are reintroducing COBOL into their curriculum due to its relevance in several industries.
Myth 4: COBOL Cannot Interface with Modern Languages
COBOL’s interoperability with modern languages is another area that suffers from widespread miscomprehension. However, the truth is that with the aid of middleware software, COBOL can interface with languages like Java and .NET, allowing for seamless integration within the current technological landscape.
Myth 5: COBOL is Difficult to Maintain
In reality, COBOL is not inherently more challenging to maintain than other languages. The difficulty often lies in the size and complexity of legacy systems, built over decades, not in the language itself. When properly documented and structured, COBOL code can be relatively straightforward to maintain.
Myth 6: It's Impossible to Find COBOL Programmers
Despite the decline in programmers who specialize in COBOL, it is not impossible to find them. Not only are experienced COBOL programmers still active in the workforce, but new programmers are being trained to understand and use the language effectively, suggesting a resurgence of interest and relevance.
Myth 7: COBOL is Expensive
COBOL has often been labeled as costly, but this is mostly due to the maintenance and upgrading of systems that the language runs, rather than the language itself. In some cases, rewriting these systems in modern languages can cost exponentially more than maintaining the existing COBOL code.
Myth 8: There's No Innovation in COBOL
Contrary to this myth, COBOL is continuously evolving, with compilers being updated to incorporate modern programming paradigms. COBOL can now utilize object-oriented programming, proving that the language is far from static and continues to innovate.
Myth 9: COBOL is Only Used for Legacy Systems
While COBOL is indeed integral to many legacy systems, it also has modern applications. For instance, Micro Focus Visual COBOL allows developers to create COBOL applications within modern IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) like Eclipse and Visual Studio.
Myth 10: Learning COBOL is a Career Dead-End
Given COBOL's critical role in many industries, learning the language can actually provide a competitive edge. There's a high demand for professionals skilled in maintaining and modernizing the existing COBOL codebase, and learning COBOL can provide lucrative job opportunities.
In conclusion, while COBOL may not boast the glitz and glamour of newer programming languages, it remains a critical component of many business systems. The role of a COBOL programmer, far from being obsolete or irrelevant, is essential in maintaining the robust and reliable systems that underpin a significant portion of global industries. It’s high time we debunk the myths surrounding COBOL programming and accord it the respect it duly deserves in today's digital age.
According to Reuters, 95% of ATM swipes use COBOL code, and the language processes 85% of all business transactions.
