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jctgf · Beginner Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 89 Topics: 36

hi,

Please why Cobol paragraphs and sections should be numbered? what's the point in numbering it? what's the advantage in doing it?

Other language programs, as Java and Natural, do not have their classes/methods numbered.

I wonder if this habit is due the fact that, in the old times, people used to print the program while maintaining it. In that context, having the paragraphs and sections numbered would facilitate the programmer to browse the program.

Please, let me know your opinion why we should keep numbering it nowadays since we virtually never print a program anymore.

Thanks.

CraigG · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 8:58 pm Post subject:

Other site requirements there is no need to number paragraphs or sections in cobol.

semigeezer · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 11:31 pm Post subject:

I'm not a COBOL programmer, but when I've looked at large COBOL, the subroutine numbers do help you scroll around in and find things easily. A good thing if you don't have an emulator or emulator (or editor) macros that can help you find things without lots of typing.

I always laugh (and roll my eyes) when I see people use that technique in Rexx programs. Usually the Rexx code looks like COBOL too Rolling Eyes

As for Java, the whole structure of the language is different. Labels in java don't exist and "subroutines" tend to be external methods or names that meet fairly standard conventions such as getters and setters. (Bleccch! Java! Ewwww!)
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Terry_Heinze · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 11:18 am Post subject:

Agree with semigeezer. Technically, there is no reason to number, but when using a 24-line screen to look at a 5,000-line program, it helps to know approximately how far you'll need to scroll to find what you're looking for. Despite the power of the (F)ind command, I usually find it easier to scroll up or down. After browsing many COBOL programs yourself, you may also find that to be true.
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hari_uss · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 3:16 pm Post subject:

This link explains how numbering can be really useful if used properly.

http://home.swbell.net/mck9/cobol/style/paraname.html

See the section 'Numbering schemes'.