Advanced COBOL Programming - CIS51
Professor: Priscilla Grocer
Office: K-112
Course Description:
This course will give the student an in-depth understanding of the COBOL
language. The student will work with tables, various problems in file
processing, and on-line processing. By the end of the semester, the
student will have learned to apply advanced programming concepts and to
use the COBOL language eeffectively to accomplish programming goals.
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to give the student an in-depth understanding
of and proficiency in the COBOL language. The student should be able to
write complex COBOL programs. At the completion of this course, the
following objectives should have been accomplished.
- the student should be able to write complicated programs in COBOL using
a wide variety of language elements
- the student should understand sequential and random processing and how
to handle sequential and indexed files
- the student should be able to develop the logic and code for edit, sorts,
updates and screen processing
- the student should lean techniques for designing and writing a well
structured program
- the student should be able to effectively use a logic tool such as a
structured flowcharting or pseudocode to assist in the development of their
program
- the student should be able to use a text editor successfully
- the student should have a more complete understanding of many aspects of
table handling and be able to utilize tables effectively in a program
Texts: The course will rely heavily on instructor notes. For
additional reference students are encouraged to purchase an advanced COBOL
text. As a suggestion, a title that has been used in the past is:
Advanced Application Programming using COBOL
Kenneth Douglas
Course Outline:
- Tables
- Concepts of table handling
- Simple tables with direct subscripts (CIS12 review)
- Two and three dimension tables with direct subscripts (CIS12 review)
- Indirect subscripts
- Searching a table with an indirect subscript
- Advanced tables (will be added to at the end of course as time permits)
- Building a table (filling an empty table)
- Location of data
- Structure of data
- Alternative ways of setting up, building, and manipulating tables
- Multiple table levels
- Character manipulation
- Searching
- Code
- SEARCH verb
- Screen processing (CIS12 reviewed first)
- Setup
- Application
- Edit - handouts (CIS12 reviewed first)
- Logic
- Coding considerations
- Application
- Sort
- Sorting concepts
- Types of sorts and application
- Internal
- External
- Files
- Organization
- Access
- Considerations for use
- Update
- Logic
- Applications
- Coding considerations
- Sequential
- Random
- On-line
- Additional COBOL
- Debugging
- Additional statements
- Screen processing techniques
- Subroutines
- COPY statement
- CALL statement
- Additional advanced COBOL concepts and coding techniques will be
introduced as time permits
Requirements:
Exams: There will be one written exam and a final examination. The
final will cover the work of the semester.
Any quizzes will be announced and will only be given if the instructor feels
they are necessary. Quizzes will count as 1 or 2 homework assignments
depending on the depth of the quiz. All exams and quizzes are open notes
and open book unless otherwise announced. The student should check the Web site
for information about exams and quizzes.
Homework: The student will be required to submit homework assignments
two class periods from the day of the assignment unless otherwise noted.
Assignments will consist mainly of program segements for the student to
code, flowcharting assignments, analysis of programs and logic questions. The student
should check the Web site for assignment postings.
Programs: The student will be required to write complete COBOL
programs and to take standard programs and modify them. All programs should
be passed in with rough coding, the programming logic flowchart (or another
logic tool if it has been approved by the instructor) and the program with
the output attached. The student should check the Web site for program postings.
Grading:
- 10% Final
- 80% Homework, programs and quizzes
- 10% Class participation, responsibility about work, keeping up to date, quality of work,
adding extras that are above and beyond, showing initiative, figuring out problems etc.
Evaluation: Assignments and programs are graded using either number
grades or letter grades based on the following (A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79,
D=60-69, F=below 60). The students grade for the course will use the same
scale and will be based on the percentages explained in the grading section.
Plus and minus grades will be given.
Attendance: The student is allowed to cut six one hour classes.
Methodology: The course is given using the lecture method or over the Web and the student is
encouraged to ask questions at any point during the lecture or via email. Students may choose
to mix and match their inclass and Web components. When
appropriate, classes exercises and problem solving techniques are used.
This SYLLABUS is not to be construed as a CONTRACT in any way, shape, manner or form.
This SYLLABUS is a SUGGESTED course OUTLINE and will be GENERALLY followed, subject to
change according to the INSTRUCTOR'S discretion and needs. Academic FLEXIBILITY is important!
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