Why You Should Consider Learning COBOL for Legacy Systems

4 June 2025

Let’s be honest—COBOL isn’t exactly a trendy programming language. It’s not the latest JavaScript framework, nor is it making headlines like AI or blockchain. But guess what? COBOL is still everywhere, quietly running the world’s financial systems, government agencies, healthcare records, and more.

If you’ve never considered learning COBOL, you’re not alone. But maybe you should. Here's why picking up this “dinosaur” of a language could be one of the smartest career moves you make.

What is COBOL, and Why Does It Still Matter?

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) was created way back in 1959, designed to be readable, business-friendly, and perfect for transactional systems. While tech evolves at lightning speed, COBOL has stood the test of time.

Why? Because it works. And when something works, businesses stick with it.

Even today, about 43% of banking systems still run on COBOL. Government agencies, insurance giants, and big corporations rely on COBOL-based mainframes to handle billions of dollars in transactions daily. Simply put, COBOL isn’t going anywhere, and that’s great news for anyone willing to learn it.

Why Learning COBOL is a Smart Career Move

Now, let's get down to brass tacks. Why should you, a modern developer, even consider learning COBOL? Here are some compelling reasons.

1. COBOL Programmers Are a Rare Breed (and That’s Lucrative!)

Most schools don’t teach COBOL anymore. As a result, the majority of COBOL developers are aging out of the workforce and very few younger programmers are stepping up to replace them.

This has created a COBOL talent shortage, and companies are offering high salaries to anyone who can maintain and modernize their legacy systems. Imagine being one of the few people capable of keeping billion-dollar banking operations running smoothly—talk about job security!

2. High Demand, Low Competition

Python? Java? Everyone and their cat is learning them. COBOL? Not so much. This means you’re not competing against thousands of other applicants for every job.

COBOL developers are in high demand, and few people are applying. That’s a golden opportunity.

3. It’s Not as Hard as You Think

COBOL was specifically designed to be readable and straightforward. Unlike some modern programming languages that feel like cryptic puzzles, COBOL code looks almost like plain English.

For example, a simple COBOL statement might say:

cobol
ADD AMOUNT TO BALANCE GIVING NEW-BALANCE.

Easy, right? If you can read and understand basic English instructions, you can learn COBOL.

4. Mainframes Are Sticking Around

Some argue that COBOL will eventually die out. But the reality? Mainframes running COBOL continue to be upgraded, not replaced. Many businesses simply can’t afford to rip out decades-old infrastructure and rebuild from scratch.

Instead, they hire COBOL developers to maintain, optimize, and even modernize existing systems. That means steady work and long-term relevance.

5. Job Security in a Changing Market

Ever feel like technology moves too fast? The latest hot frameworks one year are outdated the next. But COBOL? It’s been around for over 60 years, and there's still a demand for skilled professionals.

While the tech industry constantly shifts, COBOL remains a reliable option—offering long-term job stability in an otherwise unpredictable field.

Where is COBOL Used Today?

You might be surprised at just how much of our everyday lives depend on COBOL. Some of the major areas where COBOL rules the roost include:

- Banking & Finance – COBOL powers over 90% of ATM transactions worldwide.
- Government Agencies – From the IRS to Social Security, many government programs still run on COBOL.
- Healthcare – COBOL helps maintain patient records, insurance claims, and billing.
- Retail & Manufacturing – Large retailers use COBOL for inventory management and supply chain tracking.

If any of these industries interest you, learning COBOL could open doors you never imagined.

How to Get Started with COBOL

So, you’re convinced—COBOL might actually be worth learning. But where do you begin?

1. Take Online Courses

There are plenty of free and paid resources for learning COBOL. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and IBM’s training programs offer beginner-friendly courses.

2. Get Hands-On with an Open-Source COBOL Compiler

Practice makes perfect. Download an open-source COBOL compiler like GnuCOBOL and start experimenting with simple programs.

3. Look for COBOL Jobs or Internships

Even if you’re still learning, some companies are willing to train employees in COBOL. Keep an eye on job boards, and don’t be afraid to apply for junior COBOL roles.

4. Join Online Communities

COBOL might not be as trendy as Python, but there are still active communities on LinkedIn, Reddit, and specialized COBOL forums. Connect with others, ask questions, and learn from experienced developers.

The Future of COBOL: Should You Worry About It Becoming Obsolete?

One of the biggest concerns people have about learning COBOL is whether it will eventually die out.

The truth? COBOL is too deeply embedded in critical systems to disappear overnight. While modernization is happening, many businesses are choosing integration over replacement—meaning COBOL will still be relevant for decades.

Even if COBOL eventually fades, the skills you gain along the way—understanding enterprise systems, working with large-scale applications, and mastering high-transaction environments—will be invaluable no matter where you go.

Final Thoughts

COBOL might not be the flashiest programming language, but it’s one of the most reliable and lucrative career paths out there. If you're looking for high demand, low competition, and solid job security, learning COBOL could be an incredibly smart move.

So why not give it a shot? With banks, governments, and massive corporations desperately searching for COBOL-literate developers, you could be stepping into a career with endless opportunities.