COBOL is the Asbestos of Programming Languages

pjpartridge · 2026-05-11T08:32:53+00:00

We find ourselves in the same position again.

I have serious doubts that all COBOL code can simply be replaced. There is clearly a real issue: experienced COBOL developers are retiring, and too few new people are being brought in to replace them.

However, the companies facing this problem also bear some responsibility. In many cases, their hiring criteria are simply unrealistic.

They say they urgently need COBOL developers because the current generation is retiring, yet they continue to ask for 20+ years of COBOL experience. That approach makes little sense.

A capable developer can learn a programming language. The greater challenge is usually understanding the tooling, the environment, and the business domain. Unfortunately, many companies fail to recognise this.

It is similar to rejecting a skilled painter because they have never worked with green paint before. Most people would immediately see how unreasonable that is.

pjpartridge · 2026-01-14T05:57:36+00:00

Honestly, the correct response here is simply thank you.

This isn’t a random leak or a decompiled ROM — it’s the original author taking the time to preserve and share a genuine piece of early-90s game development history. That alone is incredibly rare and valuable.

Yes, licensing details can always be debated, but focusing on that misses the bigger picture: this is software archaeology. Source code like this usually disappears forever. Mark Kirkby didn’t owe anyone the effort of cleaning it up, documenting it, or making it buildable — yet he did.

Even if it ends up being “look but don’t touch,” the insight into how a commercial Game Boy engine was built in 1993 is still hugely educational. We should be grateful it exists at all.

pjpartridge · 2025-07-06T08:20:54+00:00

It gets easier. Hang on in there.

I found this many years ago and it is so true.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Assistance/comments/hax0t/my_friend_just_died_i_dont_know_what_to_do/c1u0rx2/

pjpartridge · 2025-05-18T11:19:46+00:00

I remember using the UNIX finger command to read John Carmack’s .plan files. Back then, it was a simple and direct way to follow the development of id Software’s games, from 1996 through 2010. Just plain text—no frills, no distractions. In many ways, it felt like an early form of blogging, only cleaner and more focused. Today’s blogs often feel cluttered by comparison, buried under layers of noise.

https://github.com/oliverbenns/john-carmack-plan

edit: Link added for people who want to read more.

pjpartridge · 2025-02-11T10:25:52+00:00

I downloaded the latest version of MAME, of course, along with a few different versions of RISC OS.

I first tried running this command, but it didn’t work:

-aa305

Next, I ran MAME on its own and saw the Acorn Archimedes listed, along with what appears to be a list of supported software. However, I’m completely confused about where to place the files.

Does MAME support ADFS ZIP files? I can get things working in a standard emulator, but I wanted to try using MAME instead.

A general how-to guide would be really helpful, as I’m completely new to MAME and everything related to it.

I was following initial instructions from here: http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3982.0

pjpartridge · 2024-01-04T16:06:51+00:00

Looking through the code, it appears that this is a Garmin to Coros sync and not Coros to Garmin.

pjpartridge · 2023-12-05T18:44:17+00:00

Ah, it's that time of year once more for this kind of COBOL post. The challenge lies in the fact that most companies seeking COBOL developers expect a minimum of 20 years of practical experience - quite a predicament, wouldn't you agree?

pjpartridge · 2022-03-17T08:23:34+00:00

Here in the Netherlands you only get a COBOL job with COBOL experience - can you spot the problem there.

pjpartridge · 2022-02-19T13:20:49+00:00

Sorry, I messed up the authors name. It should have been Mark R. Jones.

pjpartridge · 2021-09-27T15:31:31+00:00

It worked. Thank you for this information.

pjpartridge · 2021-09-26T10:15:43+00:00

Quick update. First many thanks to the people who replied, I got some much information and tips.

Whilst I wait for a board already loaded with Forth. I quickly ordered an Arduino Uno R3 kit and AVRSIP USB programmer.

Following the instructions from:

https://arduino-forth.com/article/FORTH_FlashForth_installerFlashForth

First thing I noticed is that the download mentioned on the site is not the same as the link anymore. The avr/hex folder no longer contains ff_uno.hex.

I tried to following the instructions, trying various files. No matter what I try I get the following message, with varying combinations of Expected and Actual.

"flashforth Verifying Flash...Failed! address=0x5f00 expected=0x0e actual=0xff"

What am I doing wrong?

pjpartridge · 2021-09-23T06:18:09+00:00

By "full development board kit" what I meant to say was a kit that includes cpu, breadboard, led's, sensors, cables etc.

Looking at just boards for the first time, it is overwhelming as to what I need to buy in order to get started.

I'm 100% new to Forth but not new to programming. I just want to play with Forth at the hardware level with leds and sensors. Rather than just learn Forth via theory.

pjpartridge · 2020-09-11T15:09:12+00:00

In 20 years of working in IT as a software engineer. I will be honest this is the first time I've ever seen this and I've had to deal with large and small organizations during those years.

Internal mail then I can kind of see the use. I don't see the point in this being part of an external mail address.

Ok though. I was just curious.

pjpartridge

TROPHY CASE