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GnuCOBOL

GnuCOBOL is a free, open-source, and highly portable COBOL compiler supporting multiple dialects and platforms.

Description

GnuCOBOL is a free and open-source COBOL compiler that produces native executables from COBOL source code. It boasts broad platform support, including Linux, BSD, macOS, and Windows, making it highly portable. GnuCOBOL supports a wide range of COBOL dialects and features, including integration with C, REPORT and SCREEN sections, and the COBOL 2014 Compiler Directing Facility. It has undergone extensive testing, passing thousands of NIST COBOL 85 test suite tests, and is used in commercial settings. The latest release includes improvements in dialect handling, runtime performance, file I/O, and debugging capabilities. It is actively maintained and has a supportive community.

Features

GnuCOBOL is a highly versatile and robust COBOL compiler featuring support for numerous COBOL dialects, including COBOL 2014. Key characteristics encompass C integration, REPORT and SCREEN SECTION capabilities, and the COBOL 2014 Compiler Directing Facility. It has passed rigorous testing, exceeding 9740 NIST COBOL 85 tests. The compiler also provides integrated IDE debugging and GNU gdb support. Recent updates include improved dialect handling, optimized runtime performance, enhanced file I/O functionalities, and advancements in source-level debugging.

Benefits

Reduced costs associated with proprietary COBOL compilers. Increased portability across diverse operating systems. Support for modern COBOL standards and features. Improved runtime performance and reduced memory usage. Enhanced debugging capabilities and support for various IDEs. Active community support and continuous development. Availability of extensive documentation and online resources. Compatibility with legacy COBOL code and the ability to maintain existing applications. Integration with C enables interaction with other programming languages.

Links

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Key info
Open Source
European