COBOL stands for Common Business-Oriented Language. It was the first high-level language de-signed for business applications (data processing)rather than scientific applications and is still the most commonly used language on mainframe computers．Its availability on microcomputers has been relatively recent, and may have encouraged the use of micro-computers in business (including their use for developing mainframe software)。
   
　　The lexical aspect of the language reflects an optimistic attempt to make programs readable by non-programmers, e.g. managers．Mathematical notations avoided, resulting in verbosity．
   
　　COBOL is strongest on data definition, particularly on representation of data for output. Data is defined in the data division part of a program. The division has sections for defining files (for input-output), variables and constants．Files are composed of records and sub records, with level numbering．
   
　　Statements appear in the procedure division. A statement generally comprises a verb and operators, such that it reads as an English sentence in the imperative．
   
　　COBOL is very weak on program structuring. There are no procedures or functions．The nearest equivalent is the paragraph (or group of paragraphs)called by a PERFORM statement．
   
　　The continued widespread use of such an archaic language as COBOL can perhaps be explained by the fear of change and the availability of commercial packages and application generators．

翻译：

COBOL语言   
 
　　COBOL代表通用面向商业的语言。它是被设计用于商业应用（数据处理）的第一部高级语言、而不是反于科学应用的语言。目前，它仍然 是用于大型计算上的最常用的语言。它在微型计算机上的应用还是近年来的事，它可以促进微型计算 机在商业方面的应用（包括开发三 机软件方面的应用）。
    
　　该语言在词法方面的特点反映出一种乐观的尝试，即程序可由非编程人员（例如经理）阅读。它避免了数学符号，却导致了程序的冗长。    
　　COBOL对数据定义，特别是对输出数据表示出极强的功能。数据是在程序的“数据部”部分加以定义 的。该部分具有如下的各种“节”：定 义文件节（用于输入／输出）。定义变量节及定义常数节。文件由记录及子记录组成，带有级编号。
    
　　语句出现在过程部。一条语句通常一个动词及几个操作数，这样，语句就可以象英语祈使句一样加以读出。
    
　　COBOL在程序结构上很弱，它没有过程或函数最相近的等价物是“段（或者  段组），被称做PERFORM语句。    

　　象COBOL这样一种陈旧的语言 还继续广泛应用，其原因或许是人们担心商业软件包及其应用生成程 序的改变及其应用性。