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

COLUMNS
COLUMNS 132Default:
Placement:
• On a directive line, COLUMNS must begin with a question mark (?) in column 1,
regardless of any active ANSI directive.
• In a COPY library or a source library, COLUMNS must be the only directive on its
line and must precede all SECTION directives in that library.
• The COBOL85 compiler accepts at most one COLUMNS for each source file (that
is, one for the primary source file and one for each COPY library or source library
called by the primary source file).
When the compiler shifts from reading the primary source file to reading a COPY library
(in compliance with a COPY statement) or a source library (in compliance with a
Scope:
SOURCE directive), it saves the current (default or specified) logical length for source
lines. That length applies to all source lines in the COPY library or source library, unless
a COLUMNS directive occurs in the COPY library file (as mentioned in the preceding
item). In this case, the compiler reverts to the saved logical length when it resumes
reading text from the primary source file.
COLUMNS works only if TANDEM is active.Dependencies:
References:
• ANSI
• SOURCE
• TANDEM
COMPILE
COMPILEDefault:
Outside the boundaries of a separately compiled program; that is, not between the
Identification Division header of a separately compiled program and its end, which is
marked by one of:
Placement:
• The corresponding END PROGRAM statement
• ENDUNIT
• The end of the source file
The last COMPILE or SYNTAX in the compilation unit applies to the entire compilation
unit.
Scope:
NoneDependencies:
CONSULT and NOCONSULT
NOTE: The compiler ignores the NOCONSULT directive and issues a warning.
982 Compiler Directives