Structured COBOL by Design: A First Course

Intended to satisfy the requirements of a one-term COBOL course, this book may be used by readers with no previous programming background as well as by those with experience in other programming languages. Emphasizing information processing and systems tools needed to prepare well-designed programs, it teaches students to design programs that are easy to read, debug, modify and maintain. Because students will need to interact with users and systems analysts when designing programs, systems concepts are covered in depth, highlighting key elements of the new 1985 ANS COBOL standard and familiarizing students with tools such as pseudocode, flowcharts and hierarchy charts that make program logic more structured and modular. Ample instructional material is featured and there are self-tests, exercises to help the student understand the language, and programs that reinforce and illustrate concepts.