When you think of modern technology, COBOL probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, this programming language, created over 60 years ago, remains an indispensable pillar of the global economy. Often dismissed as a 'dead language,' COBOL is very much alive and well, quietly powering the systems we rely on every day. 💻

So, just how prevalent is COBOL? The statistics are staggering. It's estimated that there are over 220 billion lines of COBOL code in use today. This code processes a monumental amount of data, including approximately 80% of all in-person credit card transactions. The financial sector is particularly dependent on it, with 95% of all ATM transactions relying on COBOL. This makes it a cornerstone of the world's banking infrastructure.

Beyond finance, COBOL's reach extends into government and other critical sectors. It's the backbone of many government systems, including tax agencies and social security programs. The language's longevity and stability have made it the go-to choice for systems that require bulletproof reliability and massive-scale data processing. 🚀

COBOL's continued relevance is a testament to its original design. The language was built for business-oriented tasks, featuring a highly readable syntax that made it easy for non-programmers to understand. Its ability to handle vast amounts of data efficiently and its extreme stability have cemented its role in systems where downtime is not an option. As long as these mission-critical systems remain in operation, COBOL will continue to be a vital part of the technological landscape, proving that sometimes, the oldest tools are the most powerful. 💪