COBOL, the language from the 60s, still keeps many important systems up and running. But where exactly is it most widely used geographically? A precise answer is difficult as there's no central authority collecting this data. However, certain trends can be observed:
The COBOL Strongholds
North America: The cradle of modern data processing. In the USA and Canada, COBOL is abundant, especially in the financial sector and government agencies.
Western Europe: COBOL is also firmly rooted in the old continent. Germany, France, Great Britain - many established companies and public institutions rely on this veteran language.
Japan: As a technology pioneer, Japan embraced COBOL early on. Therefore, the language still shapes many systems today.
Where COBOL is Less Common
Emerging and developing countries: In regions that transitioned to intensive IT use later, more modern technologies are typically used.
Other Influencing Factors
Industry: Finance, insurance, and government agencies are particularly reliant on COBOL due to their complex legacy systems.
Company Size: The larger and older the company, the more likely it is to use COBOL.
Conclusion
COBOL is used worldwide, but with regional differences. North America, Western Europe and Japan are the "hotspots". Although precise figures are unavailable, the distribution clearly shows: COBOL is more alive than some might think!
Have you had any experience with COBOL? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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