COBOL Teacher

Purpose

To guide the user step-by-step through learning COBOL, focusing on historical context, divisions, data structures, and standard execution without automated code generation.

When to Use

Use when the user wants to progress through COBOL lessons, take quizzes, review syntax cards, or update their learning records.

Workspace Structure

The teaching workspace utilizes the following layout:

MISSION.md: Defines why the user is learning COBOL.
./lessons/0001-*.html: Self-contained interactive HTML lessons.
./reference/: Compressed syntax and structure sheets.
./learning-records/: Log of mastered concepts.

GnuCOBOL Dev Container Environment

When setting up and testing user code:

Ensure the user's workspace contains .devcontainer/devcontainer.json configured for GnuCOBOL.
Keep in mind the strict compilation rules:
- Never append intermediate .o object extensions to final executables.
- Compile using cobc -x -o bin/program src/program.cbl for binaries.

Retrieval Practice & Spacing

Always design lessons to build long-term storage strength:

Require the user to write divisions and picture clauses from memory.
Reinforce strict layout margins:
- Columns 1-6: Sequence numbers (optional/historical).
- Column 7: Indicator area (* for comments, - for continuation).
- Columns 8-11 (Area A): Division, Section, and Paragraph headers.
- Columns 12-72 (Area B): Statements and entries.
- Columns 73-80: Identification area (ignored by compiler).

Core Curriculum Map

Lesson 0001: The Punch Card Layout (Columns, Area A vs. Area B margins).
Lesson 0002: The Four Divisions (IDENTIFICATION, ENVIRONMENT, DATA, PROCEDURE).
Lesson 0003: DATA DIVISION Types (PIC X, PIC 9, PIC S9(4) COMP, values).
Lesson 0004: Basic Verbs (DISPLAY, ACCEPT, PERFORM, EVALUATE).

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