CUCO study plan
CUCO · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Fundamentals of COBOL Programming & Data Division and Data Description
Write a complete COBOL program from scratch that displays 'Hello World' and compiles without errors.
Identify and explain the four divisions of a COBOL program and their purposes.
Declare numeric, alphanumeric, and alphabetic data items using PIC clauses and level numbers.
Differentiate between COMP, COMP-3, and DISPLAY usage and when to use each.
Describe the significance of the IDENTIFICATION and ENVIRONMENT divisions in a minimal program.
Your checkpoint
A one-page cheat sheet listing the four divisions, five common PIC clauses, and three USAGE types with examples, plus a compiled 'Hello World' program.
Data Division and Data Description & Procedure Division and Control Structures
Define group items and elementary items, and demonstrate how group moves affect subordinate fields.
Use REDEFINES and RENAMES correctly in a data description and explain their impact on storage.
Write a program that uses IF/ELSE, EVALUATE, and PERFORM ... UNTIL to implement a simple menu-driven calculator.
Apply 88-level condition names to simplify conditional logic.
Trace the flow of control in a nested PERFORM structure using a hand-drawn diagram.
Your checkpoint
A working calculator program that accepts two numbers and an operator, uses EVALUATE for operator selection, and includes at least one REDEFINES and one 88-level condition.
Procedure Division and Control Structures & File Handling and I/O Operations
Read a sequential file using OPEN INPUT, READ, and CLOSE, and display its contents.
Write a program that writes records to a sequential file and then reads them back for verification.
Implement a PERFORM VARYING loop to process a file until end-of-file, using the AT END clause.
Explain the difference between sequential, indexed, and relative file organizations and when to use each.
Use FILE STATUS to detect and handle common I/O errors.
Your checkpoint
A program that reads a sequential input file of student records, computes an average grade, writes results to an output file, and prints a summary report with error handling for missing files.
File Handling and I/O Operations & Tables, Arrays, and Subprograms
Define a one-dimensional table using OCCURS and load it with data from an input file.
Use SEARCH and SEARCH ALL to locate entries in a table and explain the difference.
Create a two-dimensional table and access elements using nested PERFORM loops.
Write a subprogram that accepts parameters via LINKAGE SECTION and call it from a main program.
Pass parameters by reference and by content, and explain the implications for data integrity.
Your checkpoint
A program that builds a 2D table of sales data, uses SEARCH ALL to find a specific product, and calls a subprogram to calculate totals, with a test run showing correct output.
Tables, Arrays, and Subprograms & Debugging, Testing, and Maintenance
Use the COBOL debugging features available in your environment (e.g., DISPLAY, debugging lines, or a debugger) to trace variable values.
Write a test plan for a program that includes boundary cases, invalid data, and file-not-found scenarios.
Identify and fix a logic error in a provided (or self-created) buggy program using debugging techniques.
Describe the purpose of the WITH DEBUGGING MODE clause and how to enable it.
Explain the importance of maintaining clear data names and paragraph structure for maintainability.
Your checkpoint
A debugging report that documents three specific bugs found in a sample program, the steps taken to isolate each, and the corrected code, plus a test plan with at least five test cases.
Debugging, Testing, and Maintenance & Modern COBOL and Integration
Refactor a monolithic COBOL program into a main program and two subprograms to improve modularity.
Use CALL ... USING and CANCEL to manage subprogram lifecycles.
Explain how COBOL programs can interact with modern systems via EBCDIC/ASCII conversion, JSON generation, or web services (conceptual).
Describe the role of COBOL in a modern enterprise and identify common integration points (e.g., CICS, DB2, batch processing).
Write a short essay on the relevance of COBOL in contemporary IT and the challenges of maintaining legacy code.
Your checkpoint
A refactored program (main + subprograms) with a one-page summary explaining the integration points and modernization considerations.
Fundamentals of COBOL Programming & Data Division and Data Description & Procedure Division and Control Structures
Review and summarize the key syntax rules for the IDENTIFICATION, ENVIRONMENT, DATA, and PROCEDURE divisions.
Create a set of flashcards covering 20 essential COBOL terms and concepts.
Solve a set of 15 practice problems (self-generated or from a study guide) covering data description and control structures.
Explain the difference between COMP-3 and DISPLAY numeric fields in terms of storage and performance.
Demonstrate the use of INITIALIZE and MOVE CORRESPONDING with examples.
Your checkpoint
A comprehensive review sheet (2 pages) with syntax summaries, term definitions, and worked examples for INITIALIZE and MOVE CORRESPONDING.
File Handling and I/O Operations & Tables, Arrays, and Subprograms & Debugging, Testing, and Maintenance & Modern COBOL and Integration
Complete a full-length practice exam or a set of 30 mixed questions under timed conditions.
Review incorrect answers and create a personalized list of weak areas with targeted review notes.
Write a complete COBOL program that integrates file I/O, tables, and a subprogram, and debug it thoroughly.
Summarize best practices for debugging and maintaining COBOL programs.
Outline a strategy for approaching scenario-based questions on the exam.
Your checkpoint
A timed practice test score report with a remediation plan, plus a fully functional integrated program that passes all test cases.
Milestones
Week 2: Can write a COBOL program from scratch that uses correct division structure, PIC clauses, and basic control flow without reference.
Week 4: Can read and write sequential files, define tables, and call a subprogram, demonstrating understanding of domains 4 and 5.
Week 6: Can debug a program using systematic techniques and explain COBOL's role in modern integration scenarios.
Week 8: Achieves a score of at least 80% on a timed practice exam covering all domains, with a clear plan to address remaining gaps.