Case Study

COBOL Quest

Gamified COBOL learning — Technomancer RPG, in-browser grimoire, and mainframe rituals from Identification Division to the Eternal Architect.

Client: David the Gnomad Inc.
  • Next.js
  • React
  • Prisma
  • Tailwind CSS
  • Framer Motion
  • Monaco Editor
  • cobol
  • education
  • nextjs
  • rpg
  • mainframe

Overview

COBOL Quest teaches COBOL through a high-fantasy Technomancer lens: inscribe spells in the Identification Division, survive CICS transactions, query the Dragon’s Hoard with embedded SQL, and ascend toward Eternal Architect.

Try the live demo → · View on GitHub →

Highlights

  • Monaco grimoire — edit COBOL in a themed IDE with compile / ritual validation
  • 17+ levels — batch COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, and a final boss synthesis
  • RPG progression — logic, memory, legacy XP, class promotions, level-up toasts
  • Mainframe map — navigate the Silicon Sanctum by artifact
  • Portfolio demo — runs fully in the browser; progress stored locally on davidcole.cloud

Stack

Next.js 14, Prisma (SQLite for dev), server actions for full-stack runs, and static export + localStorage for the public demo.

License

MIT © 2026 David the Gnomad Inc.