Chapter 1: Further Reading

Annotated Bibliography -- COBOL History and the Mainframe Ecosystem

The following resources provide deeper exploration of the topics introduced in this chapter. They are organized by category and include brief descriptions to help you select the most relevant materials for your learning goals.

Books

1. Beginning COBOL for Programmers by Michael Coughlan (Apress, 2014)

A comprehensive introduction to COBOL aimed at readers who already have experience with another programming language. Coughlan's book covers COBOL syntax, data handling, file processing, and structured programming with clear explanations and numerous examples. It uses GnuCOBOL (then called OpenCOBOL) for all examples, making it accessible without mainframe access. This is one of the best modern introductory texts and pairs well with the topics in our textbook.

2. Murach's Mainframe COBOL by Mike Murach and Associates (2021 edition)

The Murach series is known for its distinctive "paired pages" format, with explanations on the left and code examples on the right. This book covers COBOL programming specifically in the IBM mainframe context, including JCL, VSAM, and DB2 integration. It is widely used in corporate training programs and provides an excellent bridge between COBOL syntax and mainframe-specific practices. Particularly relevant for readers who intend to work in a mainframe environment.

3. Grace Hopper and the Invention of the Information Age by Kurt W. Beyer (MIT Press, 2009)

A biography of Grace Murray Hopper that places her work in the broader context of computing history. Beyer provides detailed accounts of Hopper's development of the first compiler, her work on FLOW-MATIC, and her influence on the creation of COBOL. Essential reading for understanding the human story behind the language. The book also illuminates the political and institutional dynamics that shaped early computing.

4. The Mythical Man-Month by Frederick P. Brooks Jr. (Addison-Wesley, 1975; Anniversary Edition 1995)

While not specifically about COBOL, Brooks' classic work on software engineering is deeply relevant to understanding the mainframe ecosystem. Brooks drew on his experience managing the development of IBM's OS/360 -- the operating system that became the ancestor of today's z/OS. His insights about large-scale system development, project management, and the challenges of maintaining complex software remain profoundly relevant to anyone working with COBOL systems that have evolved over decades.

5. COBOL for the 21st Century by Nancy Stern, Robert A. Stern, and James P. Ley (Wiley, 11th Edition, 2013)

A long-running academic textbook that has been used in university COBOL courses for decades. It provides thorough coverage of COBOL fundamentals with a structured, pedagogical approach. While the earlier editions focused exclusively on traditional COBOL, later editions incorporate modern standards. A solid reference for the language itself, particularly useful for its treatment of file handling and report generation.

Articles and Reports

6. "COVID-19 and COBOL: Why a 60-Year-Old Language Is Suddenly in Demand" -- Various news outlets, April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic thrust COBOL into the public spotlight when multiple U.S. states could not process the surge in unemployment claims. Articles in Reuters, The Verge, CNN, and other major outlets covered the story. Searching for "COBOL COVID unemployment" will surface extensive coverage from April-May 2020. These articles provide a vivid, real-world illustration of the COBOL skills gap discussed in Section 1.6 of this chapter.

7. "The World Depends on 60-Year-Old Code No One Knows About" by Clive Thompson (PCMag, 2022)

A long-form feature article that explores COBOL's role in the global economy, the skills gap crisis, and the challenges of modernization. Thompson interviews COBOL developers, IT executives, and industry analysts to present a nuanced picture of COBOL's current state. An excellent, accessible piece for understanding the human and organizational dimensions of the COBOL ecosystem.

8. IBM Systems Magazine -- Mainframe Section (ongoing publication)

IBM Systems Magazine (now part of IBM's digital content platform) regularly publishes articles about mainframe technology, COBOL development, z/OS updates, and modernization strategies. It is an excellent source for staying current with developments in the mainframe ecosystem. Articles range from technical how-to pieces to strategic overviews. Available online at the IBM community website.

9. "The COBOL Report" by Micro Focus / OpenText

Micro Focus (now part of OpenText) has published several industry surveys and white papers about the state of COBOL in enterprise computing. Their reports include data on COBOL's deployment scale, modernization trends, and workforce demographics. Search for "Micro Focus COBOL survey" to find the latest editions. These reports provide the quantitative data that supports many of the statistics cited in Section 1.5.

Online Resources and Tools

10. GnuCOBOL Project (gnucobol.sourceforge.io)

The official website for GnuCOBOL (formerly OpenCOBOL), the free, open-source COBOL compiler used throughout this textbook. The site provides downloads, documentation, a FAQ, and links to community resources. GnuCOBOL implements a substantial subset of the COBOL 2014 standard and runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, and other platforms. Essential for hands-on practice.

11. IBM Z Xplore (ibm.com/z/resources/zxplore)

IBM Z Xplore (formerly Master the Mainframe) is a free, self-paced learning program that provides hands-on experience with a real IBM mainframe. Participants connect to an IBM-hosted z/OS system and complete challenges involving JCL, COBOL, DB2, and other mainframe technologies. This is the best free resource for experiencing the mainframe ecosystem firsthand. The program is open to everyone and awards digital badges upon completion of each level.

12. Zowe (zowe.org)

Zowe is an open-source framework for z/OS that provides modern interfaces to the mainframe. It includes a command-line interface, REST APIs, and a web-based desktop. Zowe is central to the DevOps modernization of mainframe development and is worth exploring to understand how COBOL development is evolving. The Zowe documentation and tutorials provide insight into modern mainframe development workflows.

13. COBOL-IT and Open Mainframe Project

The Open Mainframe Project, hosted by the Linux Foundation, promotes open-source collaboration on mainframe computing. Its COBOL-related initiatives include educational resources, code samples, and community forums. The project's COBOL Programming Course on GitHub provides a free, comprehensive curriculum with exercises and examples. Search for "Open Mainframe Project COBOL Course" on GitHub.

14. Computer History Museum -- COBOL Collection (computerhistory.org)

The Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California maintains a digital collection of documents, photographs, and oral histories related to COBOL's development. The collection includes original CODASYL committee documents, correspondence among the language's creators, and interviews with key figures including Grace Hopper. Invaluable for readers interested in the primary sources of COBOL's history.

15. "COBOL Fridays" Webinar Series by Broadcom

Broadcom (which acquired CA Technologies) has produced a series of free webinars called "COBOL Fridays" that cover a range of COBOL and mainframe topics. Sessions include introductions to COBOL programming, mainframe DevOps, and career guidance for aspiring mainframe professionals. The recordings are available on YouTube and provide a multimedia complement to text-based learning.

How to Use These Resources

If you are interested in COBOL's history and cultural significance, start with resources 3 (Grace Hopper biography), 6 (COVID-19 articles), and 14 (Computer History Museum).

If you want additional hands-on practice with COBOL programming, focus on resources 1 (Coughlan's book), 10 (GnuCOBOL), and 13 (Open Mainframe Project COBOL Course).

If you want to understand the mainframe ecosystem more deeply, explore resources 2 (Murach's Mainframe COBOL), 11 (IBM Z Xplore), and 8 (IBM Systems Magazine).

If you are preparing for a career in COBOL development, all of these resources are relevant, but prioritize 2 (Murach's), 11 (IBM Z Xplore), 12 (Zowe), and 9 (Micro Focus reports) for the most career-applicable knowledge.

Note: URLs and availability of online resources may change over time. If a specific URL is no longer accessible, searching for the resource name will typically locate its current home.