Computer programming languages are meant to deliver instructions to a computer in a language that the computer can understand. Programming languages such as Java, SQL, JavaScript, c++ and Python are commonly used in modern computers.
COBOL, which primarily stands for Common Business Oriented Language, is a high-end computer programming language designed for business, finance and administrative uses. Jobs such as transaction processing and large-scale batch commonly use it.
Many business people and computer programmers use the programming language because it is easy to understand even without a new syntax.
Why is it needed?
1. It is widely used
The programming language that is still responsible for over 70% of business transactions globally. The reason why it is still widely used is that it’s very crucial to many large businesses and corporations’ transactions.
This means that this programming language is at the heart of crucial operations that affect millions or even billions of people worldwide. It is used around 200 times more than the most famous search engine in the world, Google.
You can’t ignore the impact of this language; you’re either using it knowingly or unknowingly.
2. Advanced file managing capability
The programming language can handle large volumes of data. It is suitable for both the simplest of transactions and the most complex ones too. All the indexed and sequential companies of the world can be handled using its advanced syntax.
Its file managing capability enables users to alter select files, directories and all the ASCII texts available in its programs. Its advanced managing system makes it possible to handle files from the byte level up to Mega and Giga levels.
3. It is easier to read and modify
Since the programming language uses English words and phrases, it is simpler for normal businessmen and women to understand. The language has been mainly text-based. It has been easy to read and interpret among all business departments. There are more lines of code now using the programming language than any other computer programming language ever. Anyone can be able to learn it in a short period and become good at it.
This ease of use and interpretation has made it last all these years without going extinct.
4. It is universal
This programming language has been passed down for six decades with plenty of business changes involved, but the language has remained solid.
Better debugging tools for different computer platforms provide its users with new products and advanced tools for use every year.
5. Its portability across platforms
The language gives its users the freedom to move applications around different hardware without altering the data or applications. This aspect ensures that users maintain the originality of their data.
This has proven to be very useful for many businesses and corporations because it saves them any maintenance cost they need if the data was altered or changed the code lines.
Conclusion
Although there have been attempts to migrate fully from COBOL-programing, we can still see that we need it in our daily operations. With as many billions of its lines in existence, the language is bound to last even longer.