File Extension Database

Open COB File

COB (COBOL Program File) is a file extension for a business application program written in COBOL (COmmon Business-Oriented Language) - an older language that's still used in many financial and business applications. These files contain the source code written in the COBOL programming language.

Working with COB Files in COBOL

COB Files are primarily used in environments where COBOL is installed. For those who need to access or use these files, you would typically use a COBOL development environment. One such platform is Micro Focus Visual COBOL, which provides tools for COBOL application development and modernization. This allows you to access and manipulate COB files, provided you have knowledge of COBOL. It's important to note that these are not typical text files, but rather files that contain COBOL source code, so they will not be readable without some knowledge of this programming language.

Converting COB Files to Other Formats

While it is not common or generally advisable to convert COB files to other file formats without a specific need, there are tools available for conversion if necessary. Be aware that the conversion would not make the file's contents 'readable' or 'usable' without the requisite COBOL understanding. CoolUtils Online COBOL Converter is one such tool that could potentially be helpful for limited conversion but may not work perfectly considering the intricacies involved in COBOL programming.

Opening COB files without COBOL

While a COB file is a COBOL source code file, it is technically still a plaintext file. This means that it can be opened with-standard text editors like Notepad++ or Sublime, or even on online platforms like Browserling's COBOL-to-Text tool. However, because the file contains programming code, it will not be comprehensible unless read by someone who understands COBOL.

COBOL File Important Information

Understanding COB files requires understanding of COBOL, and manipulating these files requires specific development environments. Unless working in a mainframe system or legacy business applications that still leverage COBOL, most individuals are not likely to come across COB files in their regular computing. If you do need to interface with COB files, professional programming tools are recommended � and when in doubt, consulting with a COBOL expert can be the best course of action.

How Can I Open COB File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open COB file is to find a COB file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a COB file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open COB file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as COB file opener then try to search online for "COB viewer", "application to open COB file" or "open COB file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open COB file

How Can I Open COB File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a COB file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a COB file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with COB file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as COB file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open COB file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open COB file then try to search for "COB viewer", "application to open COB file" or "read COB file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read COB file

How Can I Open COB File on Android

If you downloaded a COB file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded COB file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "COB".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "COB viewer", "COB file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open COB File on iPhone or iPad

To open COB File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the COB file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "COB". This way you can find apps which can open COB files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "COB viewer" or "COB file" online in your favorite search engine.

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