Features
COBOL is simple -
COBOL is a simple language that does not have pointers, user-defined functions, user-defined types, and limited function scope.
COBOL applications are regularly run in critical business areas. A COBOL application deals with large data regularly—for example, bank transaction processing, insurance policies, etc.
Standard Language -
COBOL is a standard language as it has an English-like syntax.
COBOL is stable -
Other programming languages might require changes to get the current system to install the latest updates. However, COBOL doesn't require any modifications for installing software updates. It is stable in the background and "works as it works and runs as it runs earlier". Very little caring and feeding are required.
Business Oriented -
COBOL is mainly developed for business purposes and supports almost 70% of business applications worldwide.
Structured -
COBOL programming language has a predefined structure, and the programs should be developed using its predefined structure.
Robust -
COBOL is a robust language as it has several debugging and testing tools available that are suitable for almost all computer platforms.
Easy to read -
COBOL is like simple English. It is not very difficult to read and can be understood easily.
Easy to Learn -
COBOL is very linear and self-describing. So that programmers can learn quickly.
Self-documenting -
One of COBOL's design goals was to make it possible for non-programmers to read and understand COBOL code, such as supervisors, managers, and users.