Cobol compiler for VSCode

COBOL technical questions
1

I am a beginner and I’m trying to learn cobol using VSCode, I would like to know if I need to write JCL code for every cobol program I create or the is a compiler I can install to compile my programs?

2

Hi Govern,

We have used the GnuCOBOL compiler with success in VSCode.
You can find it here:

I will also recommend the IBM Z Open Editer, it is available as an extension to VSCode, it provides syntax highlighting for COBOL.

Regards,
Rune

5

Do I need to write JCL to run COBOL programs in VSCode?
No, you don’t need JCL unless you’re working on a mainframe. If you’re just learning COBOL on your own computer, you can run your programs without JCL.

What do I need to run COBOL in VSCode?

  1. A COBOL compiler – use GnuCOBOL (it’s free).

  2. VSCode with a COBOL extension.

How to set it up (easy steps):

Step 1: Install GnuCOBOL

  • On Windows: Install from https://gnucobol.sourceforge.io/

  • On Mac: Open Terminal and type:
    brew install gnu-cobol

  • On Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):
    sudo apt install open-cobol

Step 2: Install COBOL Extension in VSCode

  • Open VSCode

  • Go to Extensions

  • Search: COBOL Language Support (by bitlang)

  • Click Install

Step 3: Compile and Run COBOL Program

  1. Create a file like hello.cob

  2. Write your COBOL code

  3. Open terminal in VSCode

  4. Type these commands:
    cobc -x hello.cob
    ./hello

Summary:

  • You don’t need JCL

  • Use GnuCOBOL to compile

  • Use VSCode with the COBOL extension

  • Run everything locally from your terminal