COBOL: Program Structure
Synopsis
COBOL: Program Structure describes the basic structure of
COBOL programs. It explains the purpose and function of all
divisions in a program. It builds the sample program's
Identification and Environment Divisions.
Audience
This course is for new COBOL programmers.
Time
4 hours
Product Code: COB402
After completing this course the student should be able to:
Describe the required coding in the Identification Division and code the sample program's
Identification Division
Identify the key sections and statement used in the Environment Division and code the
sample program's Environment Division
Recognize the key sections and clauses of the Data Division and begin the code for the
sample program's Data Division
Describe the coding of a Procedure Division and start the sample program's Procedure
Division
Overview
Reviews some of the information presented in COBOL: Basics. Recaps the structural
components that make up all COBOL programs. Re-examines the problem analysis and
program design for the sample program.
Program Structure
Divisions and subdivisions of COBOL programs. Function of each division.
Course Example
Three preliminary steps to complete before coding. Problem analysis and program design for
the sample COBOL program.
Identification Division
Describes the coding rules required paragraph and preferred coding techniques for the
Identification Division. Gives practice coding the sample program's Identification Division.
Division Header
Purpose of the Identification Division. Coding the sample program's division header.
PROGRAM-ID Paragraph
Function of the PROGRAM-ID paragraph. Valid items to code. Coding the sample
program's PROGRAM-ID paragraph.
Environment Division
Describes the two most commonly used sections of the Environment Division. Explains how
to use the SELECT statement and its clauses. Gives practice coding the sample program's
Environment Division.
Division Header
Purpose of the Environment Division. Coding the sample program's division header.
Configuration Section
Function of the Configuration Section. Paragraphs coded in this section. Coding the sample
program's Configuration Section.
Input-Output Section
Purpose of the Input-Output Section. Contents of a File-Control entry. Coding a portion of
the sample program's Input-Output Section.
SELECT Statement
Use of the SELECT statement. Function of the ASSIGN clause. Coding the remainder of the
sample program's Input-Output Section.
Data Division
Discusses the information that you store in two sections within the Data Division. Describes
some of the file description clauses. Begins coding the sample program's Data Division.
File and Working-Storage Sections
Function of the Data Division. Information coded in the File Section. Purpose of the
Working-Storage Section.
File Section Clauses
Use of the RECORD CONTAINS and BLOCK CONTAINS clauses. Purpose of a record
description. Coding a portion of the sample program's Data Division.
Procedure Division
Describes the structure and statements of the Procedure Division in COBOL
programs. Begins coding the sample program's Procedure Division.
Structure
Purpose of instructions. Required and optional coding in the Procedure Division. Use of
routines.
Statements
How to code clear and readable statements. Coding a portion of the sample program's
Procedure Division.
