Mainframe computers operating on code from the 1960s continue to play a crucial role in sectors such as banking, aviation, and government. However, there is a concerning shortage of skilled engineers who are proficient in COBOL, the programming language developed for these systems. Most of the experts familiar with COBOL have either retired or passed away. In response to this challenge, researchers are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to bridge the skills gap, ensuring the maintenance and possible replacement of these outdated yet indispensable systems.
Originally introduced in 1959, COBOL was specifically crafted for large, centralised mainframe computers, enabling efficient bulk data processing for large organisations.
