IBM Set To Release COBOL Compiler For Linux
IBM has announced that they will release a proprietary GNU/Linux version of their IBM COBOL compiler on April 16th. The Linux version will be fully compatible with IBM's existing COBOL compiler products for z/OS and AIX. Pricing is unknown. It will probably cost you a pretty penny.
COBOL source code.
COBOL is a 61 years old programming language that is still widely used by financial institutions and other big corporations that have been around for a long time. 43% of banks use it in one way or another.
IBM's COBOL compiler is the most widely used COBOL compiler even though the platforms it is available for have so far been limited to IBM's own z/OS and AIX operating systems. IBM announced that is now making a commercial GNU/Linux version of it available on April 16th, 2021. It will not be free software, and it is unlikely that it will be cheap. IBM does not indicate pricing under "Pricing" on their website, just odd "part numbers" such as "D28XQLL" for IBM COBOL for Linux on x86 Virtual Processor Core License + SW Subscription & Support 12 Months.
Free software users who want a free alternative can opt to use GnuCOBOL instead. It supports 19 COBOL dialects and it is pretty mature. It is generally not trusted by big financial institutions who prefer IBM's compiler, but it is more than good enough to compile most COBOL programs if you would like to learn the oldest programming language that is widely used today.
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