Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Faculty FAQs Student FAQs ___________________________________________________ previous
1. How do I get a copy of the book? ___________________________________________________ previous 1. I am using a COBOL 85 mainframe compiler. How would you recommend I deal with the COBOL 74 material and the interactive material in the text? We think students should be aware of the fact that COBOL is an evolving language and that changes being made result in a more modern and comprehensive language. In Chapter 1, the main distinctions between COBOL 74 and 85 are highlighted. The COBOL 74 use of the priming READ is explained, for example. Make your students aware of how "stilted" such a statement is and how it complicates program logic. In this chapter, we also explain how the in-line PERFORM ...UNTIL along with the READ ...END-READ simplifies coding for COBOL 85. We recommend you make it very clear to your students that this is a major step forward in language development. When these points are clear enough, COBOL 85 students can simply ignore the side bar and in-text references to COBOL 74. Even if you are using a mainframe compiler, we recommend that you show students how a PC version can be used to create interactive programs with custom-designed screen displays, as demonstrated in Chapter 6. You might even encourage your students to purchase a PC compiler (MicroFocus or RM/COBOL) if they have access to a PC. You might want to give them extra credit if they complete assignments using a PC compiler or can make a presentation to the class outlining the differences. 2. I want to use a PC compiler. Which would you recommend? The RM COBOL compiler comes with a text editor and an interactive debugger. It is a little cheaper than the MicroFocus compilers. It is also DOS-based. The MicroFocus compilers also come with sophisticated text editors and interactive debuggers. They are somewhat more expensive. Both come with a manufacturer's reference book along with our own Getting Started Manual. The Windows version of the MicroFocus compiler includes object-oriented COBOL. Both compilers enable students to create interactive screen displays. If cost is a primary factor, RM COBOL is cheaper. If ease of use and market presence is the primary factor, you might want to consider either of the MicroFocus compiler - one is DOS-based and one is Windows-based. If you are looking for the most modern compiler, MicroFocus' Windows version has the latest object-oriented addition. 3. How can we obtain a site license for RM COBOL compiler? Contact Kathleen Pappas at Liant Software, telephone (512)343-1010 4. How can we obtain a site license for Microfocus COBOL compiler? Contact Mike McCandless at Microfocus, telephone (415)856-4161. 5. Should I give students a data set for each programming assignment or should they create their own? When you give all students the same data set, it is, of course, easier to evaluate the output, because they should all look very similar. We prefer to have students create their own input because we believe that this is part of program development. It also reinforces the need for test data that is comprehensive; that is, when we evaluate student programs we indicate when test data is incomplete. 6. Why should I assign the debugging exercises? Many students are good at writing programs and find that they need not do too much debugging. Such students are often totally stumped when they encounter a major program error, mainly because they do not have enough experience in debugging. An important part of programming is being able to identify errors. These debugging exercises help students improve their debugging skills. 7. Why is the Syntax Guide a separate book? Unless students have wheelbarrows, they often complain if they have to bring the large textbook to class or to a lab where they do their programs. The Syntax Guide provides the information they need to code programs. We also permit students to bring the Guide to exams - if the exams are logic-oriented rather than syntax-based, which they typically are for the second half of the book. 8. Many students think of COBOL as archaic. How do I convince them this is still an important language? First, point to the facts. There is more existing COBOL code than for any other language. The new object-oriented features are likely to mean that COBOL will continue to be an important language. Most importantly, more graduates get COBOL jobs than any other programming positions - that fact tends to make the point. Yes, COBOL is wordy. But evidence suggests that it is easier to use - especially for sophisticated, business-oriented programs than any other language. We don't think instructors need to be COBOL apologists. We teach what industry needs. 9. How do you recommend covering the material in the text? Use each chapter outline as a starting point. If you like introducing material using transparencies or slides, use our Powerpoint slides for this purpose. If you prefer covering the material yourself first, use the slides as summaries. Tell your students to read the chapter before coming to class and to be sure they can answer all self tests. Offer to cover any questions that they have trouble with. After you cover the material, review the Practice Program, debugging exercises and review questions. Assign a Programming Assignment for the next class discussion. We often have a student write their solution on the board before the next class begins. Review this solution. We typically assign a Programming Assignment for coding, testing and debugging once a week. Students must submit the compiled program indicating no errors, the test data and the output. ___________________________________________________ previous 1. How would you recommend I study for this course? Always read the chapter before it is discussed in class. If nothing else, this familiarizes you with the terms used and may even help you understand what the professor is saying. As you are reading, always attempt to answer the self-tests. If you answer them correctly, then you are obviously on the right track. Those you have trouble with can help you identify topics that you may not fully understand. When you finish the chapter, attempt to code the Practice Program yourself before you look at the solution in the book. Then compare your solution with the printed one. If you don't understand differences between yours and the one in the book, ask your instructor. Even if they are not assigned, try to answer all review questions and debugging questions. Don't be afraid to ask your instructor to clarify a solution or in fact any material in the book. If you have a question, chances are there are many others in the class with the same question. Try to code, test and debug at least one Programming Assignment in each chapter. If you have the time, reread the chapter after the Instructor has covered it in class - especially if you find it difficult. Above all, if you begin to have trouble understanding, stop and review - or speak to your instructor. Don't expect things to eventually fall into place. This is a subject which requires step-by-step understanding. As soon as you're having a problem, resolve it before going on. 2. How is the book organized? The first 9 chapters of the book are devoted to syntax, or COBOL rules. It is detail-oriented and a necessary evil, since you can't write programs on your own unless you know the syntax. The second half of the book focuses on program logic and applications. Don't expect to be able to understand this second half unless you have a reasonably good grasp of syntax. Note that the basic structure of a COBOL program is introduced in Chapter 1 and reinforced throughout the first four chapters. Be sure you understand this basic structure since all programs in the first half of the book - and many programs beyond that - use this structure. 3. How should I study for exams? As noted, you should read the chapters at least once as they are assigned. About a week before an exam, review your notes and skim the chapters. Pay close attention to the introductory objectives and Chapter Outline. Review the Chapter Summary and Chapter self-test for each chapter to be on the exam. Be sure you know the definitions for each key term in the chapter. Review again the Practice Program for each chapter covered. If the Powerpoint slides are available to you, review them as well. |
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