Basically, the book is an introduction to COBOL programming for beginning programmers. There is very strong emphasis on program design techniques and the characteristics of good programs, including an introduction to debugging techniques. The book also shows how COBOL is used for common data processing tasks. The Microsoft/Microfocus COBOL compiler is used as the basis of all discussion, showing how the compiler can be used both for implementing COBOL programs for use on microcomputers, and as a development tool for programs which can eventually be used on mainframe computers. The book introduces material in a logical manner which enables the reader to start writing simple programs immediately, before building to more advanced concepts. There is a strong emphasis on programming style, including program design and debugging. In addition, the book teaches fundamental algorithms of data processing such as file updating, table loading and control break processing.