Divisions in cobol

Divisions in cobol

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Gouse Mohammed
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In COBOL, a division is a fundamental structural component of a COBOL program, which logically separates the program's functionality into specific sections. Each division has a specific purpose and defines how data and processes are managed. The four main divisions in COBOL are:

1. Identification Division

  • Purpose: Provides metadata about the program, such as the program name, author, and other related information.

  • Typical Contents:

    • PROGRAM-ID: The name of the program.

    • AUTHOR: The name of the author (optional).

    • DATE-WRITTEN: The date the program was written (optional).

    • SECURITY: Information about the program's security (optional).

Example:

cobolCopy codeIDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. MYPROGRAM.
AUTHOR. JOHN DOE.
DATE-WRITTEN. 2024-01-01.

2. Environment Division

  • Purpose: Defines the environment in which the program runs. This includes the hardware and software configuration, such as file handling and system-specific details.

  • Typical Sections:

    • CONFIGURATION SECTION: Specifies the hardware and software setup, including file control.

    • INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION: Defines the external devices and files the program will use.

Example:

cobolCopy codeENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION.
FILE-CONTROL.
    SELECT myfile ASSIGN TO 'MYDATA.DAT'.

3. Data Division

  • Purpose: Describes all the data elements used by the program, including variables, file structures, and other data records.

  • Typical Sections:

    • FILE SECTION: Defines the structure of files.

    • WORKING-STORAGE SECTION: Defines temporary data items used during program execution.

    • LINKAGE SECTION: Used for passing data between programs (such as when a program is called by another program).

    • LOCAL-STORAGE SECTION: Holds variables that retain their values only for the duration of a specific invocation (for programs with recursion).

Example:

cobolCopy codeDATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01 MY-VAR        PIC 9(5).

4. Procedure Division

  • Purpose: Contains the program's executable code, such as statements, operations, and logic. This is where the actual processing of the program occurs.

  • Typical Contents:

    • COBOL statements such as DISPLAY, ADD, MOVE, and IF.

    • Control structures and loops like PERFORM, GOTO, etc.

Example:

cobolCopy codePROCEDURE DIVISION.
DISPLAY 'HELLO, COBOL!'.
MOVE 10 TO MY-VAR.
DISPLAY MY-VAR.

Summary of Divisions:

  • Identification Division: Program metadata.

  • Environment Division: System configuration and file management.

  • Data Division: Data definitions and structures.

  • Procedure Division: Program logic and operations.

Each division serves a distinct role, helping organize the COBOL program into a structured and readable format.

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