From Relic to Relevance: COBOL’s 88-Level Fields for Modern Coders

Luke Zeisset COBOL, Modernization, Programming, Tutorial Leave a Comment

Remember when blockchain was going to change everything? Now AI is the trend dominating every conversationโ€”but some of the most effective programming ideas have been around for decades. This post examines one of COBOLโ€™s lesser-known yet highly practical features: the 88-level field. Far more than a simple boolean, 88-level fields provide a clear, maintainable way to describe data conditions, enforce business rules, and streamline initialization. Through real-world examples, youโ€™ll see how this feature can reduce complexity, eliminate hard-coded values, and make logic more expressiveโ€”demonstrating that sometimes proven tools from โ€œoldโ€ languages still have lessons worth applying today.

Modernizing Cobol Applications

David Pitt COBOL, Keyhole, Modernization, Videos Leave a Comment

The world of technology is constantly evolving, but despite the rise of cutting-edge programming languages and modern software frameworks, COBOL applications continue to play a critical role in the business world. COBOL, one of the oldest programming languages, still powers many of the core systems of industries like banking, insurance, and government. Why, then, are businesses increasingly considering modernizing COBOL …

What is Mainframe Modernization & How Can My Business Benefit From It?

Keyhole Software COBOL, Keyhole, Modernization, Videos Leave a Comment

Mainframes have long powered critical financial transactions and government operations. However, across the U.S., particularly in Kansas, these systems are showing their age. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a critical issue: essential services like unemployment insurance were crippled by outdated COBOL systems, causing significant delays. This is more than an inconvenience; it’s a clear signal that mainframe modernization is urgently needed …

Cobol Modernization with Spring Batch Header Image of Mainframe Racks

White Paper: COBOL Modernization Strategy with Spring Batch

Keyhole Software Articles, COBOL, Development Technologies & Tools, Java, Modernization, Spring Batch Leave a Comment

The Keyhole team is proud to announce the publishing of a new, free white paper: COBOL Modernization Strategy with Spring Batch

This strategy positions Spring Batch as an irresistible proposition for organizations ready to bid farewell to their COBOL legacy. Keyhole Software offers guiding principles for COBOL modernization, with a comprehensive guide based on tangible experience for enterprises navigating the realm of COBOL modernization.ย 

What are the Common Cloud Migration Challenges & How Do I Address Them?

Zach Gardner Cloud, Keyhole, Modernization, Videos Leave a Comment

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cloud computing stands as a beacon of innovation and efficiency. However, the journey to the cloud is often marked by a series of complex challenges. Understanding and addressing the common cloud migration challenges & how you address them is critical for businesses seeking to harness the full potential of cloud technology. Importance of Security …