COBOL Manual for TNS and TNS/R Programs

Program Compilation
HP COBOL Manual for TNS and TNS/R Programs—522555-006
11-59
COLUMNS
COLUMNS
COLUMNS causes the compiler to ignore any text beyond a certain column in
subsequent input records.
COLUMNS applies only to text being read under Tandem reference format. Text being
read under ANSI reference format ignores any text beyond column 72.
length
is an integer whose value is at least 12. Any value greater than 132 is considered
to equal 132.
Default: COLUMNS 132
Placement:
•
On a directive line, COLUMNS must begin with a question mark (?)
in column 1, regardless of any active ANSI.
•
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).
Scope: 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 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.
Dependencies: COLUMNS works only if TANDEM is active.
References:
•
ANSI
•
SOURCE
•
TANDEM
lengthCOLUMNS
VST270.vsd