What is COBOL layout?

COBOL coding sheet specifies from where each statement coding should start and how it differentiates from other statements.

Define the importance of understanding the coding standards used in COBOL programs?

Understanding coding standards in COBOL is important because it provides guidelines for writing code consistently and clearly. Following these standards helps programmers and teams work together more effectively, makes code easier to read and maintain, reduces errors, and ensures that programs meet quality and reliability requirements.

What is the significance language structures in programming?

Nowadays, COBOL editors are used to code programs. However, the same coding sheet is standard, and developers should follow these guidelines while coding the programs.

Where does AREA A in COBOL start from?

Columns 8 to 11.

What are the statements should start in AREA A?

All DIVISION names, SECTION names, system-defined paragraph names, user-defined PARAGRAPH names, Level numbers (01, 77), DECLARATIVES, END DECLARATIVES, and FD/SD entries coding should start in Area-A.

Where does AREA B in COBOL start from?

Columns from 12 to 72.

What are the statements should start in AREA B?

Apart from the specified statements in Area-A, all other statements should start in Area-B. All entries, sentences, statements, clauses, and continuous lines should start in Area-B.

Comment Line -

What is comment line?

Comment lines are full-line comments. They do not impact the program execution and are ignored by the COBOL compiler.

How to code the comment line in COBOL program?

If "*" is coded in the 7th column, the COBOL compiler considers that line as a comment.

Continuation Line -

What is continuation line?

The first line that splits into multiple lines is called the Continued Line, and the following lines are called the Continuation Lines.

How to code the continuation line in COBOL program?

If "-" is coded in the 7th column, the COBOL compiler understands that the current line is a continuation of the previous line.

Print Stopper Indicator -

What is the significance print stopper indicator?

Print stopper indicator is used specify the next line should print from next page.

How to code the print stopper indicator in COBOL program?

If "/" is coded in the 7th column, it specifies that the printing should start from the new page.

Debugging Lines -

What is debugging line in COBOL program?

A debugging line is any line with a 'D' or 'd' in column 7 (indicator area) used to debug the program flow along with SOURCE-COMPUTER with DEBUGGING MODE when no debugging tools are available.

How to code debugging line in COBOL program?

If the "D" is coded in the 7th column, the COBOL compiler understands that line is used for DEBUGGING purposes.

How to enable the debugging lines in COBOL program?

If SOURCE-COMPUTER WITH DEBUGGING MODE is coded, the program recognizes the statements with 'D' in the 7th column as part of the code. This enables the debugging mode in the program.

How to disable the debugging lines in COBOL program?

If SOURCE-COMPUTER WITH DEBUGGING MODE is not coded, the program doesn't recognize the statements with 'D' in the 7th column as a part of the code. This disables the debugging mode in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions -

What is the layout in COBOL?

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