CSC 203 COBOL Programming

Instructor

David P. Voorhees
235 Reilly Hall, x4372
voorhedp@mail.lemoyne.edu

Course Description

This course deals with the general topic of problem solving and algorithm development, as implemented with the COBOL programming language. Programming topics included are: data types; language constructs for sequence, decision and iteration; sequential and indexed file processing; structured programming principles; testing principles; and generally accepted programming guidelines. Emphasis is on learning how to read and write COBOL programs, with lots of hands-on experiences.

Objectives

• To develop a basic working vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of programming, as implemented with the COBOL programming language.
• To be able to perform problem solving, algorithm development, testing and debugging techniques appropriate within a programming environment.
• To be able to produce well-written COBOL programs that work.

Text & Materials

• Introduction to COBOL: A Guide to Modular Structured Programming, David M. Collopy, Prentice Hall, 2000
• Two to four 3.5" diskettes - used to backup your COBOL files

Course Outline

Please note that the exams are cumulative. That is, the exams will encompass topics covered since the beginning of the semester. The exam dates will be announced at least 1 week prior to the exam date.

Weeks 1 - 2	Course Introduction Syllabus - Course Description, General Information, Course Outline Computer Hardware and Software Overview Application Software Models Application Development and Problem Solving Introduction to COBOL - Sample Programs, Four COBOL Divisions, Compile, Link & Go
Week 3	Data & Procedure Divisions - A Closer Look Data Representation - ASCII, Zoned Decimal, Packed Decimal, Binary Constants (literals) versus Variables Procedure Division - Sequence of Operations, Impact on Data Division Hierarchy of Operators
Week 4	Edited PICture Clause PIC Clause, Edited PIC Clause Assignment #1 - Edited PIC Assignment #2 - Improve Report Appearance
Week 5	One-level Control Break Logic Assignment #3 - One-level Control Break Report
Week 6	Two-level Control Break Logic Assignment #4 - Two-level Control Break Report
Week 7	Three-level Control Break Logic Assignment #5 - Three-level Control Break Report
Weeks 8 - 10	File Processing File Types - Sequential, Relative, Indexed Data Structures - Fields, Records, Files Indexed File Processing - Random Reads, Random Updates Assignment #6 - Produce A Student Transcript Assignment #7 - Update A Student Grade
Weeks 11 - 12	Table Processing Loading a Table Searching a Table Assignment #8 - Produce A Student Transcript Assignment #9 - Update A Student Grade
Week 13	Built-in slack time
Week 14	Review for Final Exam