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Most current COBOL programmers learn their programming skills
through two different methods: (1) by studying the sample programs
in a college textbook, and (2) by copying the style in existing
COBOL programs written by others at their place of employment.
A major implication of this is that existing programming practices
tend to be continued, even though better techniques or practices
may be available.
Through several years of industrial experience, the author
has collected a list of several areas of COBOL programming practices
which appear to have their roots in the past. These areas are
examined in several COBOL programming texts to see what the various
authors have to say about them.
A number of active COBOL programs with a number of different
authors are examined to see the extent to which these practices
are still in use. Also, several programs were 'modernized' to
see the impact that better methods could have on program development
and maintenance.
SECTION 1 ----- Introduction
Chapter 1 ------ Problem Statement
Chapter 2 ------ Hypothesis of Paper
Chapter 3 ------ Organization of the Paper
Chapter 4 ------ What This Paper is Not
Chapter 5 ------ Importance of the Problem
SECTION 2 ------ History of Selected Programming Practices
Chapter 6 ------ Introduction
Chapter 7 ------ Formatting practices
Chapter 8 ------ IDENTIFICATION DIVISION
Chapter 9 ------ ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
Chapter 10 ----- DATA DIVISION
Chapter 11 ----- PROCEDURE DIVISION
SECTION 3 ----- Textbook Review
Chapter 12 ----- Introduction
Chapter 13 ----- Formatting Practices
Chapter 14 ----- IDENTIFICATION DIVISION
Chapter 15 ----- ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
Chapter 16 ----- DATA DIVISION
Chapter 17 ----- PROCEDURE DIVISION
SECTION 4 ----- Program Review
Chapter 18 ----- Introduction
Chapter 19 ----- Formatting Practices
Chapter 20 ----- IDENTIFICATION DIVISION
Chapter 21 ----- ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
Chapter 22 ----- DATA DIVISION
Chapter 23 ----- PROCEDURE DIVISION
Chapter 24 ----- Program Rewriting Analysis
SECTION 5 ----- Conclusion and Recommendations
Chapter 25 ----- Conclusion
Chapter 26 ----- Recommendations
Chapter 27 ----- Topics for Further Research
Appendix A ----- Rules for Modernization of Programs
Appendix B ----- Program Analysis
Bibliography