Introduction to Cobol – with Mainframe Access

Get started with COBOL programming and explore the world of mainframes through this introductory course. Designed for beginners, this course walks you through the basics of COBOL, shows you how to connect to a z/OS mainframe, and lets you run your first COBOL program using industry‑standard tools. With practical exercises and guided setup, you’ll gain real‑world experience.

But that’s only the beginning. From the moment you enroll, you receive step‑by‑step instructions to install the Quick3270 terminal emulator, request your personal mainframe credentials, and log in to a live z/OS system. Each lesson combines short, easy‑to‑follow videos with interactive quizzes so you can check your understanding before moving on. You’ll learn how to edit source members in ISPF, compile and link your code, and analyze JES spool output like a seasoned mainframer.

The curriculum is intentionally hands‑on: you won’t just read syntax—you’ll write, submit, and debug real programs, display results, and handle common errors. By the end of the course you’ll know the basics of COBOL programming.

Most importantly, your mainframe account remains active for one week, giving you plenty of time to experiment beyond the tutorials and cement your new skills. Whether you’re an aspiring developer looking for your first enterprise‑class language, a university student curious about legacy systems, or a seasoned programmer seeking to broaden your résumé, this free course delivers the confidence and practical know‑how you need to take the next step in the high‑demand world of COBOL and mainframe computing.