How to use this tool?

This free online converter lets you convert code from COBOL to Racket in a click of a button. To use this converter, take the following steps -

  1. Type or paste your COBOL code in the input box.
  2. Click the convert button.
  3. The resulting Racket code from the conversion will be displayed in the output box.

Key differences between COBOL and Racket

CharacteristicCOBOLRacket
SyntaxCOBOL uses a verbose and English-like syntax with a focus on readability and self-documentation.Racket uses a Lisp-like syntax with parentheses and prefix notation, which can be more concise and expressive.
ParadigmCOBOL is primarily procedural and imperative, with limited support for object-oriented programming.Racket is a multi-paradigm language that supports functional programming, procedural programming, and object-oriented programming.
TypingCOBOL is statically typed, with strong type checking and limited support for dynamic typing.Racket is dynamically typed, allowing for flexible and expressive programming with less emphasis on type checking.
PerformanceCOBOL is known for its efficiency and performance in handling large-scale business applications.Racket is a high-level language that prioritizes expressiveness over raw performance, making it less suitable for performance-critical applications.
Libraries and frameworksCOBOL has a limited number of libraries and frameworks available, mainly focused on business and mainframe applications.Racket has a rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, offering a wide range of functionality for various domains.
Community and supportCOBOL has a smaller and more specialized community, with dedicated support from mainframe vendors and legacy system maintainers.Racket has an active and supportive community, with regular updates, documentation, and community-driven development.
Learning curveCOBOL has a steeper learning curve due to its verbose syntax and specialized use cases, requiring familiarity with mainframe systems.Racket has a moderate learning curve, especially for programmers familiar with Lisp-like languages, but can be approachable for beginners as well.