COBOL Manual for TNS/E Programs (H06.08+, J06.03+)

language
is unnecessary, because the compiler can determine the language of the called program, but
if specified, it must be C or TAL. If language is TAL, the compiler expects a pTAL program.
The compiler does not accept TAL programs.
routine-name
is either the actual name of the called routine or it is a nonnumeric literal whose value is the
name of the called routine.
If routine-name is a nonnumeric literal or a COBOL reserved word, or if it contains a caret
(^) or underscore (_), it must be enclosed in quotation marks.
If routine-name is not enclosed in quotation marks, the compiler handles it as the actual
name of the routine. Quotation marks are recommended.
If routine-name specifies a C or C++ function whose name includes lowercase letters, the
call fails, because the compiler automatically converts all names to uppercase.
file-mnemonic
specifies the object file containing the called routine’s code and data blocks, enabling the eld
utility to find the routine during preparation of the run unit.
file-mnemonic must specify either:
• A linkfile
• An import library
• A DLL
• An archive file
Establish the association between file-mnemonic and the operating system file name in
the SPECIAL-NAMES paragraph of the Environment Division.
The file-mnemonic phrase is not part of the routine-name. You cannot use the phrase
to make the routine-name unique.
320 Procedure Division Verbs