389 pages : 26 cm

"This is for the person who wants to learn what COBOL is, what programming is, and how to use COBOL in typical business data processing applications. Assumes no previous background in programming. Hands-on programming begins in Chapter 1--each chapter is based on one or more example programs applicable to real-life business settings. Treatment is based on the concepts of structured programming--only a few logical control structures are used throughout the book. Emphasizes a clear program style for ease of reading and debugging. All programs have been tested and run, and computer output is displayed in each case"--Publisher's description

Includes index

1. Getting started with programming in COBOL -- 2. The basic program structure -- 3. Data division elements and the arithmetic verbs -- 4. Program design (part I) and the IF statement -- 5. Program design (part II) and more on the picture clause -- 6. Sequential file processing (part I), the identification division, and nested IF statements, with program debugging -- 7. Data representation and related topics -- 8. Sequential file processing (part II) and subroutines -- 9. Table handling facilities -- 10. File storage devices and programming -- 11. Additional COBOL topics -- Appendix: COBOL reserved words