The COBOL, although old, is still essential in sectors such as banking. As a COBOL developer, you ensure the maintenance And theevolution of critical systems. This job requires a solid technical expertise in COBOL and transversal skills. Les pros are numerous: stable jobs, attractive salary and prospects for development. In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know to get started.

I - The missions of the COBOL developer

The developer COBOL occupies a strategic position within companies, especially in the banking and insurance sectors, where information systems and computer programs are often old and bulky. Its missions go well beyond simple programming:

• Maintain critical applications in operational condition: The COBOL developer is responsible for ensuring the availability and performance of software applications and solutions that support core business activities. It must be able to intervene quickly to resolve incidents and breakdowns.
• Evolve existing systems: Business needs are constantly evolving. The COBOL developer must be able to adapt existing applications to meet these new needs, by integrating new functionalities or by modifying business processes while respecting the technical specifications established.
• Optimizing treatment performance: COBOL applications often deal with large volumes of data. The developer should optimize the codes to improve performance and reduce response times.
• Ensuring compatibility with new technologies: COBOL systems sometimes have to coexist with newer systems. The COBOL developer must be able to integrate these new technologies (databases, user interfaces, frameworks, etc.) while maintaining the stability of existing applications.
• Documenting and transmitting your know-how: The COBOL developer often works on old applications whose technical documentation may be limited or outdated. He must therefore take the time to document his work and to transmit his know-how to the other members of the team.

The specific challenges of the COBOL developer

• Work on complex source codes: COBOL applications can be very large and complex, with programming logic that is sometimes difficult to understand.
• Mastering specific technical environments: COBOL developers often work on mainframe platforms with specific operating systems (z/OS, MVS) and relational or hierarchical databases.
• Managing the coexistence of old and new technologies: The COBOL developer must be able to juggle between traditional technologies (COBOL, JCL) and new technologies (Java, .NET).

In conclusion, The COBOL developer is an expert who plays an essential role in maintaining and evolving information systems. Her technical skills and her ability to adapt to complex environments are essential assets for success in this profession.

II - The skills required

To work as a COBOL developer, it is essential to master a set of technical and transversal skills.

Technical skills

• In-depth mastery of the COBOL language: A perfect knowledge of the syntax, data structures, and algorithms specific to COBOL is essential for developing and maintaining applications.
• Knowledge of databases: A good understanding of relational databases (DB2, IMS) and hierarchical databases is required to interact with data stored in information systems.
• Specific development tools: Mastering the development tools used in the COBOL environment (editors, compilers, debuggers) is essential to be effective.
• Operating systems: Knowledge of mainframe operating systems (z/OS, MVS) is often required, as well as file and task management concepts.
• Other languages and technologies: Although COBOL is the core of the business, knowledge of more modern languages (Java, Python, etc.) and web technologies can be a plus to move towards modernization projects.

Transversal skills

• Analytical and problem solving skills: The COBOL developer must be able to analyze complex problems, find effective solutions, and implement them.
• Rigor and method: COBOL programming requires great rigor and a structured working method to guarantee the quality of the code.
• Sense of communication: The COBOL developer should be able to communicate effectively with users, other developers, and teams, especially in the context of project management.
• Team spirit: Teamwork is often necessary, especially during large-scale projects.
• Curious and adaptable: The world of computing is changing rapidly. The COBOL developer must be curious and ready to learn new technologies to remain competitive.

In summary, The COBOL developer must combine solid technical skills with transversal skills that allow him to integrate into an often complex work environment.

III - The advantages and disadvantages of the job

The job of COBOL developer offers a range of benefits while presenting some challenges. On the one hand, the constant demand in COBOL developers on the labor market, especially in the banking and insurance sectors where information systems Are often reviewers, ensures professional stability and attractive salaries. La COBOL mastery Being a rare skill, professionals in this field benefit from a reconnaissance particular and have the opportunity to work on high added value projects, manipulating sensitive data And critical processes. In addition, there are many career opportunities, with the possibility of accessing positions at highest responsibilities such as project manager, software architect, consultant or programmer analyst.

However, being a COBOL developer also has some disadvantages. The COBOL Being a ancient programming language, her syntax may seem archaic to younger generations, and the documenting available is often limited or out of date. In addition, the COBOL developers generally work on mainframe platforms With operating systems specific (z/OS, MVS), which may restrict the portability of their skills. Finally, theaging image associated with COBOL can sometimes make it difficult to understand its importance and relevance in today's computing world.

In summary, the job of COBOL developer offers pros undeniable in terms of stability, of remuneration And of reconnaissance. However, it requires a large localization And a continuing education To deal with dares related to the use of a Ancient language and to specific technical environments. Les COBOL developers must be ready to reconcile the mastery of proven technologies with the opening to new trends of software development.

IV - The prospects for evolution

The challenges of the COBOL developer

The job of COBOL developer presents specific challenges related to the age of the language and the complexity of existing systems:

• Complexity of systems: COBOL applications are often the result of many years of development and evolution, making them complex to understand and modify.
• Limited documentation: Documentation for older systems is often incomplete or obsolete, making corrective and evolutionary maintenance more difficult.
• Specific technical environments: COBOL developers often work on mainframe platforms with specific operating systems, which can limit the portability of their skills.

Modernizing systems

Modernizing COBOL systems is a major challenge for businesses. COBOL developers are at the heart of this transformation:

• Integration with modern systems: COBOL systems often have to coexist with newer applications. COBOL developers need to be familiar with modern programming interfaces and communication protocols.
• Migration to new technologies: In some cases, a complete migration to new technologies may be considered. COBOL developers can support these projects.
• Redesign of applications: For some applications, a complete redesign may be required. COBOL developers can participate in the design of the new architecture.

The shortage of qualified profiles

The shortage of qualified COBOL profiles represents an opportunity for developers. Businesses are ready to invest to attract and retain talent.

Openness to new technologies

To evolve, COBOL developers need to be open to new technologies:

• Mastery of modern languages: Knowledge of languages such as Java, Python or.NET is a plus.
• Continuous integration tools: Mastering tools like Jenkins or Git is essential to work in an agile environment.
• Agile methodologies: The adoption of methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban makes it possible to adapt to new development methods.

The opportunities

The prospects for development are numerous:

• Strong demand in certain sectors: The banking, financial and insurance sectors, which often rely on COBOL systems, continue to need qualified profiles.
• Technical expert: COBOL developers can become recognized experts in their field.
• Positions of responsibility: With experience, they can progress to positions as software architects, project managers, or consultants.

The job of COBOL developer offers interesting career opportunities. By combining a solid mastery of the COBOL language with an openness to new technologies, developers can ensure a promising professional future.

Conclusion

COBOL, although an ancient programming language, remains a key player in the current IT landscape. Despite the challenges associated with its complexity and evolving technologies, COBOL continues to power critical systems in many businesses.

The career prospects for COBOL developers are promising. The modernization of systems, the integration with new technologies and the shortage of qualified profiles offer numerous opportunities. Becoming a COBOL expert means acquiring a rare skill that is highly sought after on the job market.

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