Can visual basic replace COBOL? ...and should it?
Deborah Dunn, Dennis Lingerfelt · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2005
Computer science educators are in a rather unusual position of being constantly forced to examine and update their curriculum to accommodate the perpetual changes in technology. This trend is especially apparent in the field of programming languages. We are regularly (almost too often it sometimes seems) asking ourselves What language is the best for applications? As educators, we are often hesitant to jump on the quite frankly because often the bandwagon doesn't travel very far. One of the languages that seem to be constantly brought into question is COBOL. Supporters tout its effectiveness for large businesses, especially those requiring extensive file processing and report generation. Detractors say it is too wordy and out-of-date. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the curriculum changes our department has recently made in order to address both sides of the fence.