Linux

Hello,

I have got a specific requirement of running a COBOL code on EL5. Not sure if GCC includes the compiler for COBOL.
Currently what I can think of installing openCOBOL in EL5 server and hand it over to developers.

From what I think need to do is, compile COBOL code using openCOBOL which will give "C" compatible code. Then GCC will take care.
Please let me know, if there is any specific solution for retrofitting legacy softwares/code in EL 5.

Thanks & Regards,
Nirav Kamdar

The opencobol OpenCOBOL - an open-source COBOL compiler package, includes all the documentation required to compile and link cobol source code into executable programs.
I converted a 60 program payroll package from Micro Focus Cobol to Opencobol in about a week.

Thanks alot for your reply jgt.

I was just wondering, before I start installing opencobol and give it to developers to work with.


Is there any other better solution available.

Thanks in Advance,

MicroFocus COBOL. It is expensive, closed. It has an animator because the compiled code is deliberately obfuscated. gcc cannot compile it into anything at any point.

If you need a C interface you must use a special built-in non-standard interface; you have to compile the code with special options so COBOL modules can be called from C and vice-versa.

My only recommendation would be to start with Open Cobol version 1.1, even though it is marked as beta. There is no SCREEN SECTION in 1.0
The only drawback that I found was with screen input. With Micro Focus, the ADIS screen interface program allows cursor movement from field to field, and how the screen is submitted, to be configurable (there are some 30 questions to answer), whereas with OC, the tab key moves from field to field, and the enter key submits the screen. If your users are used to using the enter key to move from field to field, they will end up submitting the screen prematurely.

Hello jgt,

Thanks for giving the input on v1.1, I was planning for v1.0. Now will proceed with 1.1. And I guess its in best interest for me, to give opencobol first. And what issue they are facing.
Thank you once again.