STOP RUN Statement

STOP RUN Statement

  • The STOP RUN statement terminates a program's execution.
  • Once STOP RUN is executed, control returns to the operating system.
  • It should be the last executable statement in the program.
  • It should always be coded in the main program. If it is coded in the subprogram, the control returns to the system instead of the main program.

Syntax -

1----+----2----+----3
  STOP RUN

The STOP RUN statement doesn't have any parameters.

Processing -

When a COBOL program executes the STOP RUN, it performs the following actions -

  • All files opened by the program are closed.
  • Any buffered output is written to the respective output devices or files.
  • Control is returned to the operating system.

Practical Example -

Scenario - Checks if a person is an adult based on age.

Full Example    
----+----1----+----2----+----3----+----4----+----5----+
       ...
       DATA DIVISION.
       WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
       01 WS-AGE        PIC 9(3).
       ...
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
           ACCEPT WS-AGE.
           IF WS-AGE >= 18
               DISPLAY "Person is an adult."
           ELSE
               DISPLAY "Person is not an adult."
           END-IF.
           STOP RUN.