Top 12 Cobol Programmer Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the evolving landscape of software development, COBOL programmers remain in demand, especially in industries where legacy systems are pivotal. To stand out in this niche, a well-crafted resume highlighting a unique set of skills is essential, demonstrating not only technical prowess but also the ability to adapt and innovate within this enduring programming language.

Cobol Programmer Skills

1. COBOL
2. JCL
3. DB2
4. CICS
5. VSAM
6. IMS DB/DC
7. SQL
8. Mainframe
9. TSO/ISPF
10. PL/I
11. REXX
12. Z/OS

1. COBOL

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) is a high-level programming language designed primarily for business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments. It is known for its clarity, simplicity, and ability to handle large volumes of data.

Why It's Important

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) is important because it is widely used in business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments. As a COBOL programmer, you play a crucial role in maintaining and updating these critical systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and reliably to handle vast amounts of transactional data.

How to Improve COBOL Skills

Improving your COBOL skills involves learning best practices, understanding modern COBOL environments, and integrating new tools. Here are concise recommendations:

1. Learn Best Practices: Focus on understanding the principles of structured programming and efficient data handling in COBOL. IBM COBOL Best Practices guide is a comprehensive resource.

2. Understand Modern COBOL: Stay updated with the latest COBOL standards and features. The Micro Focus COBOL documentation provides insights into modern COBOL development.

3. Use Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Embrace IDEs like Eclipse with COBOL Plugin or Visual Studio Code with a COBOL extension, which provide syntax highlighting, debugging tools, and more.

4. Implement Version Control: Learn to use version control systems like Git. While not COBOL-specific, mastering version control is crucial for any developer. GitHub's Hello World guide is a good starting point.

5. Engage with the Community: Join forums and groups such as IBM Developer COBOL to stay informed, get support, and share knowledge.

6. Practice Coding: Regularly write and review COBOL code. Websites like HackerRank and Exercism offer programming challenges that can be tackled in COBOL.

7. Learn from Code Examples: Study open-source COBOL projects or snippets. The Open Mainframe Project offers a COBOL programming course with examples.

8. Continuous Learning: Enroll in courses and read books. Coursera and Udemy offer COBOL courses, adjusting to modern development environments.

Improving in COBOL is a continuous process of learning, practicing, and adapting to new tools and methodologies.

How to Display COBOL Skills on Your Resume

2. JCL

JCL (Job Control Language) is a scripting language used on IBM mainframe systems to instruct the system on how to run batch processing jobs, including executing COBOL programs.

Why It's Important

JCL (Job Control Language) is crucial for COBOL programmers because it specifies how to execute COBOL programs, including data input/output, file management, and job sequencing, directly affecting program performance and resource utilization on mainframe systems.

How to Improve JCL Skills

Improving JCL (Job Control Language) involves enhancing efficiency, readability, and maintainability of batch job scripts used in mainframe environments, particularly for COBOL programmers. Here are concise tips:

1. Use Meaningful Job Names: Choose job names that reflect the job's purpose, facilitating easier identification and management.

2. Optimize Job Steps: Merge or eliminate unnecessary job steps to reduce processing time and resource consumption.

3. Utilize Proper Spacing and Comments: Make your JCL more readable by using spaces and comments effectively, aiding both current and future developers.

4. Parameterize JCLs: Use symbolic parameters instead of hardcoded values for flexibility and easier updates.

5. Implement Condition Codes: Use condition codes to control job flow, ensuring that subsequent steps are executed only if preceding steps complete successfully.

6. Leverage JCLLIB and INCLUDE: Organize and reuse JCL code by using JCLLIB to point to a library of INCLUDE members containing reusable JCL snippets.

7. Update Dataset Definitions: Regularly review and optimize dataset definitions, such as space allocations and record lengths, to ensure efficient data storage.

8. Utilize Utilities Efficiently: Make smart use of IBM utilities like IEBGENER and SORT for data manipulation, ensuring optimal performance.

9. Keep Learning: Stay updated with the latest JCL best practices and enhancements by regularly consulting authoritative resources.

For further in-depth learning and resources, consider these external links:

• IBM's official documentation for JCL: IBM Knowledge Center
• COBOL programming with JCL integration tips: MainframeDev

Remember, improving JCL is an ongoing process that involves continuous learning, experimentation, and optimization.

How to Display JCL Skills on Your Resume

3. DB2

DB2 is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by IBM, designed to store, retrieve, and manage data efficiently. For a COBOL programmer, DB2 provides a robust environment to access and manipulate data using SQL embedded in COBOL programs, enabling the integration of database operations with COBOL business logic.

Why It's Important

DB2 is important for a COBOL programmer because it provides a robust, high-performance database management system for storing and retrieving data efficiently, which is crucial for COBOL applications that often run on mainframe environments and require reliable data processing capabilities.

How to Improve DB2 Skills

Improving DB2 performance for a COBOL programmer involves focusing on optimizing SQL queries, efficient use of indexes, and proper database design. Here are concise strategies:

1. Optimize SQL Queries: Write efficient SQL queries by selecting only required columns instead of using SELECT *, and properly use joins. IBM's SQL Performance.

2. Use Indexes Wisely: Create indexes that are aligned with your query patterns. Avoid excessive indexing as it can degrade performance on data modifications. Index Design and Performance.

3. Proper Database Design: Normalize your database to eliminate data redundancy but also consider denormalization where it improves performance by reducing the number of joins. Database Design and Performance.

4. Data Clustering: Organize data in a way that minimizes I/O operations by clustering data that is often accessed together. Data Clustering.

5. Buffer Pool Optimization: Allocate your buffer pools efficiently to reduce physical I/O operations. Buffer Pool Performance.

6. Use Explain Plan: Analyze the access path chosen by the DB2 optimizer for your SQL statements and adjust your queries, indexes, or database design accordingly. Explain Plan.

7. Periodic Maintenance: Regularly reorganize tables and indexes, run RUNSTATS to update statistics for the optimizer, and use REBIND to optimize access paths for packages. Database Maintenance.

8. Optimize COBOL-DB2 Integration: Use efficient cursor processing, avoid unnecessary commits, and properly manage connection resources. COBOL-DB2 Programming.

By focusing on these areas, a COBOL programmer can significantly improve DB2 performance which can lead to faster applications and reduced resource consumption.

How to Display DB2 Skills on Your Resume

4. CICS

CICS (Customer Information Control System) is a transaction processing system designed for rapid, high-volume online processing. For a COBOL programmer, it provides an environment to develop and run COBOL applications that handle transactions such as ATM operations, bank transactions, or retail purchases, integrating with databases and external systems efficiently.

Why It's Important

CICS (Customer Information Control System) is crucial for a COBOL programmer because it provides a powerful transaction processing environment that enables the development and execution of online applications, facilitating efficient handling of high-volume user requests and data management in enterprise-level COBOL applications.

How to Improve CICS Skills

Improving CICS for a COBOL programmer involves enhancing performance, simplifying debugging, and improving code efficiency. Here are concise strategies:

1. Optimize DB2 Access: Use efficient DB2 access methods and optimize SQL queries. DB2 Optimization.

2. Efficient Use of Resources: Minimize the use of temporary storage (TS) queues and use transient data (TD) queues efficiently. Managing CICS Resources.

3. Code Optimization: Utilize efficient COBOL coding practices, such as using level 88 conditions and avoiding unnecessary COMPUTE statements. COBOL Performance Tuning.

4. Parallel Processing: Implement parallel processing where possible to improve transaction response times. CICS Task Management.

5. Use Latest Features: Stay updated with the latest CICS features and incorporate them into your applications. What's new in CICS.

6. Debugging and Testing: Use CICS debugging tools efficiently for quicker issue resolution. CICS Debugging.

7. CICS Monitoring and Tuning: Regularly monitor and tune CICS systems to improve performance. CICS Performance Tuning.

By focusing on these areas, a COBOL programmer can significantly improve the efficiency and performance of CICS applications.

How to Display CICS Skills on Your Resume

5. VSAM

VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) is a file storage access method used in IBM mainframe environments, allowing COBOL programmers to manage data records in indexed, sequential, or relative organization for efficient data access and storage.

Why It's Important

VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) is important for a COBOL programmer because it provides efficient, indexed data storage and retrieval capabilities, enabling faster and more reliable access to large datasets, which is crucial for business-critical applications often developed in COBOL.

How to Improve VSAM Skills

To improve VSAM performance and efficiency for a COBOL programmer, consider the following concise strategies:

1. Optimize Access Paths: Use appropriate access methods (e.g., key-sequenced, entry-sequenced, or relative record dataset) based on the access pattern. IBM's VSAM guide provides insights into selecting the right access method.

2. Adjust Buffering: Properly configure buffer space to reduce I/O operations. IBM's documentation on VSAM buffering offers guidance on how to adjust buffering for performance.

3. Use Alternate Indexes: For faster data retrieval, create and utilize alternate indexes efficiently. Check out IBM's alternate index creation guide.

4. Data Compression: Implement data compression to reduce disk space usage and potentially improve I/O performance. Learn more from IBM's VSAM data compression overview.

5. Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks such as reorganizing files (repro, recluster) and cleaning up unused space. IBM's VSAM space management recommendations can be useful.

6. Parallel Processing: Where possible, employ parallel processing to enhance performance. This involves designing applications that can perform multiple operations concurrently.

7. Optimize COBOL I/O Operations: Write efficient COBOL code for VSAM access. Use the ACCESS MODE and RECORD KEY clauses in the FILE-CONTROL section effectively. The COBOL Programming Guide from IBM provides detailed instructions.

By implementing these strategies, a COBOL programmer can significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of VSAM datasets.

How to Display VSAM Skills on Your Resume

6. IMS DB/DC

IMS DB/DC (Information Management System Database/Data Communications) is a hierarchical database and transaction processing system. For a COBOL programmer, it provides a framework for data management and transaction processing, enabling the development of COBOL applications that can interact with databases and handle online transactions efficiently.

Why It's Important

IMS DB/DC is important for a COBOL programmer because it provides a robust and efficient hierarchical database and transaction management system, enabling the development and execution of high-volume, complex COBOL applications that require reliable data storage, access, and transaction processing.

How to Improve IMS DB/DC Skills

Improving IMS DB/DC performance and efficiency from a COBOL programmer's perspective involves several strategies:

1. Optimize Database Design: Ensure your database is designed for efficient access. Use secondary indexes judically and consider partitioning for large databases. IMS Database Administration.

2. Efficient Data Access: Utilize efficient access methods (e.g., direct vs. sequential) based on the data retrieval needs. IMS Application Programming.

3. Buffer Pool Tuning: Adjust buffer pool sizes to reduce I/O operations and enhance performance. IMS Performance and Tuning Guide.

4. Use of Fast Path Databases: For high-volume transaction processing, consider using IMS Fast Path databases to minimize path length and improve response times. IMS Fast Path Solution Pack Guide.

5. Code Optimization: In COBOL, optimize your code by reducing the number of database calls, using efficient loops, and avoiding unnecessary computations. COBOL Programming with IMS Examples.

6. Parallel Processing: Where feasible, use parallel processing to distribute workloads and reduce processing time. IMS Application Development.

7. Transaction Management: Efficiently manage transactions to ensure data integrity while minimizing locking and resource contention. IMS Transaction Manager.

8. Regular Maintenance: Perform regular database reorganizations, clean up unused objects, and update statistics to help the optimizer choose the best access paths. IMS Database Utilities.

By following these strategies and continuously monitoring and adjusting based on system performance metrics, you can significantly improve the efficiency and response times of your IMS DB/DC applications.

How to Display IMS DB/DC Skills on Your Resume

7. SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized programming language used for managing and manipulating relational database management systems, enabling you to define, retrieve, update, and delete data.

Why It's Important

SQL is important for a COBOL programmer because it enables efficient data retrieval, manipulation, and management from relational databases, enhancing COBOL applications' capabilities to interact with modern data storage systems.

How to Improve SQL Skills

To improve SQL skills, especially for a COBOL programmer transitioning or integrating SQL into their work:

1. Understand SQL Basics: Start with SQL fundamentals, focusing on SELECT statements, WHERE clauses, and JOIN operations. W3Schools SQL Tutorial is an excellent place for beginners.

2. Practice Regularly: Apply what you learn on datasets. Try SQLZoo or HackerRank for hands-on exercises.

3. Learn COBOL-SQL Integration: Understand how SQL can be used within COBOL programs for database interactions. This IBM COBOL & SQL Guide provides insights into using SQL within COBOL.

4. Optimization Techniques: Learn about indexing, query optimization, and execution plans. The Use The Index, Luke! guide offers insights into leveraging indexes effectively.

5. Explore Advanced SQL: Once comfortable with the basics, delve into stored procedures, triggers, and advanced functions. The PostgreSQL official documentation is a robust resource for advanced topics.

6. Join a Community: Engage with forums like Stack Overflow or Reddit’s r/SQL. Sharing knowledge and solving problems together can significantly enhance your learning.

Remember, transitioning from COBOL to incorporating SQL requires patience and practice. Focus on understanding how SQL can complement your COBOL applications, and continuously apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.

How to Display SQL Skills on Your Resume

8. Mainframe

A mainframe is a high-capacity, powerful computer system designed for large-scale computing purposes such as bulk data processing, transaction processing, and critical applications, primarily used by enterprises and governments. For a COBOL programmer, it serves as a primary platform for developing and running COBOL applications, which are often used for business, finance, and administrative systems.

Why It's Important

Mainframes are crucial for COBOL programmers as they support large-scale transaction processing, ensuring high reliability, security, and efficient data handling, which are essential for critical business operations where COBOL is predominantly used.

How to Improve Mainframe Skills

Improving mainframe performance and efficiency, especially from a COBOL programmer’s perspective, involves optimizing code, leveraging modern development tools, enhancing system configuration, and continuous learning. Here are concise steps and resources to guide you:

1. Code Optimization: Focus on refining your COBOL code for better performance. This includes efficient use of variables, optimizing loops, and data access methods. IBM’s COBOL optimization tips provide detailed guidance.

2. Use of Modern Tools: Embrace modern mainframe development tools like IBM Developer for z Systems or Compuware's Topaz Workbench for enhanced productivity and better integration with contemporary systems. Compuware’s Topaz Workbench offers a unified environment that supports COBOL.

3. System Configuration: Work with your system administrators to ensure the mainframe is configured for optimal performance. This can involve adjusting workload priorities, memory allocation, and I/O configuration.

4. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in COBOL and mainframe technologies. IBM’s COBOL Learning Resources and online forums like Stack Overflow are excellent for keeping your skills sharp.

5. Leverage Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Utilize an IDE that supports COBOL and mainframe development, such as Eclipse with IBM Z Open Development. This can significantly improve code quality and developer efficiency.

6. Implement Efficient Data Management: Optimize data access and storage by using indexed files or database systems like DB2 which is designed for high-volume transactions on the mainframe.

By following these strategies and utilizing the resources provided, you can significantly improve mainframe performance and keep your COBOL applications running efficiently.

How to Display Mainframe Skills on Your Resume

9. TSO/ISPF

TSO (Time Sharing Option) is an interactive environment on IBM mainframe systems allowing users to execute commands, run programs, and manage data files. ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility) is a user interface running on top of TSO, providing a more user-friendly, menu-driven way to navigate and control mainframe resources. For a COBOL programmer, TSO/ISPF offers a suite of tools for editing code, compiling programs, managing datasets, and debugging, facilitating efficient development and maintenance of COBOL applications on IBM mainframes.

Why It's Important

TSO/ISPF is crucial for a COBOL programmer because it provides a user-friendly environment for editing code, managing datasets, and executing COBOL programs on IBM mainframe systems, thereby enhancing productivity and efficiency.

How to Improve TSO/ISPF Skills

Improving your proficiency with TSO/ISPF, especially as a COBOL programmer, involves enhancing navigation, editing capabilities, and customizing your environment for better efficiency. Here are concise tips with relevant resources:

1. Master Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with key commands for faster navigation and editing. IBM's official documentation provides a comprehensive list.

2. Customize Your ISPF Environment: Tailor ISPF settings to your preferences for a more productive workspace. Learn how to adjust settings from this ISPF customization guide.

3. Use ISPF Editor Macros: Automate repetitive tasks by creating or using existing editor macros. This guide on ISPF editor macros is a good starting point.

4. Leverage ISPF Tools for COBOL: Utilize ISPF features designed for COBOL development, such as the Program Development Facility (PDF) for code compilation and debugging. This resource offers insights.

5. Educate Yourself Continuously: Stay updated with the latest TSO/ISPF features and best practices. IBM's Z/OS TSO/E documentation is an excellent resource.

By incorporating these strategies and continuously exploring resources, you can significantly enhance your TSO/ISPF skills, leading to more efficient COBOL program development.

How to Display TSO/ISPF Skills on Your Resume

10. PL/I

PL/I (Programming Language One) is a high-level programming language designed for engineering, scientific, and business applications. For a COBOL programmer, think of PL/I as a versatile language that combines the data processing capabilities of COBOL with advanced data structures, allowing for both procedural and structured programming. It supports extensive file handling and data manipulation, similar to COBOL, but with added features for complex mathematics and system programming.

Why It's Important

PL/I is important because it combines the data processing capabilities of COBOL with advanced data structures and control statements, offering COBOL programmers a pathway to develop more complex and efficient programs for scientific, engineering, and business applications.

How to Improve PL/I Skills

Improving your PL/I skills, especially coming from a COBOL background, involves understanding both languages' similarities and differences to leverage your existing knowledge effectively. Here are concise steps and resources:

1. Understand the Syntax Differences: Begin by grasping the fundamental syntax differences between PL/I and COBOL. PL/I syntax is more similar to C or Pascal, with a greater emphasis on block structures and scope.

2. Learn PL/I Data Types and Structures: Familiarize yourself with PL/I's data types, structures, and how they compare to COBOL's. PL/I offers a richer set of built-in types and allows more complex data structures.

3. Master File I/O Operations: File handling in PL/I is versatile but differs from COBOL. Understanding file I/O operations in PL/I is crucial for data processing applications.

4. Explore PL/I's Control Structures: PL/I provides a wide range of control structures for complex decision-making and looping, unlike the more straightforward COBOL approach.

5. Utilize PL/I Libraries and Built-in Functions: Take advantage of PL/I's extensive standard libraries and built-in functions for mathematical, string, and time/date operations to write more efficient and concise code.

6. Practice and Examples: The best way to learn is by practice. Convert simple COBOL programs to PL/I to see firsthand the differences and similarities.

Resources for Learning and Improvement:

• IBM PL/I Language Reference: Comprehensive guide on PL/I syntax and features.
• PL/I for COBOL Programmers: A guide aimed specifically at COBOL programmers transitioning to PL/I.
• Rochester Institute of Technology PL/I Course: Offers courses and materials that might include PL/I, beneficial for understanding structured programming concepts.

By focusing on these steps and utilizing the resources provided, a COBOL programmer can effectively transition to and improve their PL/I programming skills.

How to Display PL/I Skills on Your Resume

11. REXX

REXX (Restructured Extended Executor) is a high-level programming language designed for ease of learning and reading. For a COBOL programmer, REXX offers a more flexible and simpler syntax for scripting, text processing, and performing routine tasks across different operating systems, complementing COBOL's strengths in business and financial computing.

Why It's Important

REXX is important for a COBOL programmer because it offers a versatile and easy-to-learn scripting language for automating tasks, manipulating data, and enhancing COBOL applications with additional functionalities, thus improving productivity and operational efficiency.

How to Improve REXX Skills

Improving REXX programming, especially for a COBOL programmer, involves understanding REXX's unique features, leveraging its simplicity for scripting, and integrating it with COBOL systems. Here are concise steps and resources:

1. Understand REXX Syntax and Features: Start with grasping the basics and unique aspects of REXX compared to COBOL. This includes REXX's dynamic typing, built-in functions, and error handling. A good starting point is the REXX Language Association.

2. Practice String Manipulation and I/O Operations: REXX excels in handling strings and files. Practice reading, writing, and manipulating data in files, which is crucial for integrating REXX with COBOL applications. RexxInfo is a useful resource.

3. Explore REXX's Built-in Functions: REXX offers a rich set of built-in functions that can simplify your code. Understanding these can help you write more efficient and shorter scripts. Refer to the REXX Reference for a comprehensive guide.

4. Utilize REXX for System Automation: REXX is powerful for automating routine tasks and can interact with the operating system and external programs, including COBOL applications. Learning how to use REXX for automation can significantly boost productivity. The IBM REXX Family page provides insights and examples.

5. Integrate REXX with COBOL Programs: As a COBOL programmer, leverage REXX for pre-processing data, generating reports, or as a glue language to integrate various components of a system. Understanding how to call REXX scripts from COBOL and vice versa is crucial. This Integration Guide from IBM can offer guidance.

6. Join REXX Forums and Communities: Engaging with the REXX community can provide valuable insights, tips, and solutions to common problems. It's a good way to stay updated on best practices and new developments. The REXX Programming Group on Google Groups is an active community.

7. Practice and Experiment: Like any language, proficiency in REXX comes with practice. Experiment with writing scripts to solve various problems, integrate with COBOL, and automate tasks in your environment.

Improving your REXX skills as a COBOL programmer involves continuous learning and practice, leveraging REXX's strengths for scripting and automation, and integrating it effectively within your COBOL applications.

How to Display REXX Skills on Your Resume

12. Z/OS

z/OS is a 64-bit operating system for IBM mainframes, designed for high performance and robust security, optimized for large-scale computing environments. For a COBOL programmer, it is a key platform for developing and running COBOL applications, offering advanced features for transaction processing, batch processing, and database management.

Why It's Important

Z/OS is important for a COBOL programmer because it provides a stable, secure, and high-performance operating environment for running large-scale, mission-critical COBOL applications often used in finance, banking, and government sectors.

How to Improve Z/OS Skills

Improving z/OS performance and efficiency, especially from a COBOL programmer's perspective, involves several strategies focusing on optimizing code, leveraging new features, and employing best practices for system interaction. Below are concise steps and resources for enhancement:

1. Optimize COBOL Code: Focus on writing efficient COBOL code. Utilize the latest language features and compiler options for optimization. IBM COBOL Optimization

2. Use Latest Compiler: Upgrade to the latest Enterprise COBOL compiler for performance improvements and new language features. IBM Enterprise COBOL

3. Leverage z/OS Features: Take advantage of z/OS specific features such as data set buffering, zIIP processors, and advanced sorting techniques. z/OS Introduction

4. Parallel Processing: Implement parallel processing where applicable to reduce execution time. Parallel Sysplex

5. Efficient Use of DB2: For applications using DB2, ensure SQL queries are optimized and make use of efficient DB2 features. DB2 for z/OS

6. Tools for Analysis and Monitoring: Utilize IBM's suite of tools for performance analysis and monitoring to identify bottlenecks. IBM Z Performance Monitoring

7. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest z/OS features, COBOL language enhancements, and best practices through IBM's learning resources. IBM Training and Skills

By focusing on these areas, a COBOL programmer can significantly contribute to the improvement of z/OS applications' performance and efficiency.

How to Display Z/OS Skills on Your Resume