Years ago I worked with COBOL the code is a lot easier to follow than 'basic' poking this and poking that and a lot better (my opinion) than PASCAL were 'functions' always got me lost. The COBOL language I was familiar with was COBOL INS 73 Yes, very long in the tooth.
I presume COBAL has been updated (is it still used?) it was mainly used in the banking sector/company goods stock level updates. Used to read and update large file records. Back in the early eighties I believe the cost for the 'compiler' written code to machine language, cost hundreds of pounds.
Which ever programming language you decide on check out 'top down design' and be aware (as basic) too many 'go to' is very naughty and makes following the code most trying.
Daz