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COBOL

COBOL

COBOL is the old workhorse language that still powers banks, insurers and government systems - with a syntax that almost reads like plain English.

Used at
developer.ibm.com github.com stackoverflow.com

About COBOL

COBOL - Common Business-Oriented Language - was born in the 1950s to handle business data, and it still does so admirably. Though sometimes called a "dinosaur language," COBOL is far from extinct. It runs vast amounts of code in banks, insurance companies and government systems worldwide. Estimates put hundreds of billions of lines of COBOL still in production today.

The language is known for its English-like syntax, making it readable even for non-programmers - like writing business logic in full sentences. COBOL excels in transaction-intensive systems where stability and precision are paramount. While it’s mature, the language has been modernized with object-oriented features and integrations with contemporary technologies.

So next time you withdraw cash or receive payroll, consider that COBOL could very well be working behind the scenes. It may not be flashy, but it delivers reliability at scale.

COBOL is often used together with

.NET
SQL

COBOL is used at

FolksamFolksam is a customer-owned insurance and pension company providing security for individuals and businesses across Sweden.
If SkadeförsäkringIf Insurance is the Nordic region's largest property and casualty insurer, offering a wide range of insurance solutions for both individuals and businesses.
Svea BankSvea Bank is not your ordinary bank - it combines a fintech mindset with traditional banking, where innovation and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.
Svenska HandelsbankenSvenska Handelsbanken is the bank that believes in long‑term relationships, personal service and empowering local branches to serve customers.
SwedbankSwedbank is a bank that combines long experience with a warm commitment to people and society.
Trygg-HansaTrygg‑Hansa is one of Sweden’s best‑known insurance companies, protecting people, animals and belongings with both heart and brains since 1928.