James Taylor wrote:
As far as I'm aware, Cobol wasn't originally designed to "database" stuff - its just too old* (I'm talking pure original Cobol here). Programmers would have to develop their own file routines (however Cobol was one of the first languages to have the concept of "libraries" of other peoples code that you could call, so undoubtedly there would be database-type-libraries that could be added on.
Not trying to be awkward, but as far as I can work out, COBOL started with File handling routines, and these supported Indexed files right from the start, which is what it was intended to do - Common Business Oriented stuff. Whilst indexed random access files might not qualify as the fully functional Relational Database Management system that we're expect when we talk about Databases today, I'm sure programmers at the time would have considered it "Database Stuff."
However, I am aware that this is a) Off Topic, and b) I'm by no means an expert on COBOL. I'll shut up now - sorry! Steve