Fujitsu NetCOBOL for Linux FAQ
1. Q: Fujitsu has just released NetCOBOL for .NET. Why has a Linux version of NetCOBOL also been produced?
A: This is a good question to ask as Fujitsu's strategy is to create high quality, high performance COBOL compilers on only a few selected platforms. Fujitsu sees a strong future for COBOL in the (Web) server environment and both .NET and Linux are significant players in that arena. In recent years we have seen Linux establish itself as a serious player so it made sense to add Linux to the selected list of platforms for NetCOBOL.
2. Q: What are the main benefits of NetCOBOL for Linux over other COBOL offerings on Linux?
A: NetCOBOL for Linux has been created using well-proven technology, both in the front-end with the NetCOBOL syntax processing and the back-end with many parts of the Intel architecture code generator applying to the Linux product. The main benefits this technology brings are:
- Proven reliability
- Highly optimized object code
In addition to these technical benefits, NetCOBOL for Linux also offers a significant business benefit:
- No run-time license fees.
3. Q: How do I obtain the license file to enable my NetCOBOL for Linux product?
A: Provide the information requested on the NetCOBOL for Linux Product Registration page
4. Q: How easy is it to port applications to NetCOBOL for Linux from other environments?
A: The answer to this question really depends on two factors in the application code:
- Whether the syntax used is standard ANSI COBOL or includes only those IBM, Micro Focus or NetCOBOL (previously called Fujitsu COBOL) syntax extensions that are supported by NetCOBOL for Linux.
- Whether the applications have extensive screen interactions.
Applications that use NetCOBOL supported syntax and have no or little screen interaction should port very easily to NetCOBOL for Linux.
Applications that have extensive screen interactions may take more effort to port. Depending on the design and purpose of the applications, they may be able to transition to becoming Web-based applications using CGI, or take on new graphical user interfaces using a more GUI focused language while preserving the main business logic in COBOL.
5. Q: Are there any significant limitations in the NetCOBOL for Linux product?
A: There are some restrictions in NetCOBOL for Linux Version 7. Whether they are significant or not will depend on the application. The key restrictions are:
- SCREEN SECTION is not supported
- COBOL files cannot be larger than 2 GB.
6. Q: Is NetCOBOL for Linux an Open Source product?
A: As desribed above NetCOBOL for Linux has been created using proprietary Fujitsu technology that has been proven and sold for many years on other platforms. It therefore does not make sense to make NetCOBOL for Linux an Open Source product.
7. Q: Is there an Eclipse plug-in with NetCOBOL for Linux?
A: The Eclipse open source community has a project to develop a COBOL plug-in for the Eclipse IDE that is known to work with the NetCOBOL for Linux product. If you are interested in using this IDE plug-in for your NetCOBOL development, you can find instructions here for how to install and use the plug-in.
