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Status Not under consideration
Workspace COBOL Compilers
Created by Guest
Created on Feb 11, 2014

Lifting File Structure Limitations

For I/O usability enhancement i suggest to allow lazy file definitions.
In COBOL it is always a problem to read files which differs in file description between program code and file system.
Example:
FD INFILE RECORDING F.
01 INRECORD PIC X(80).
When trying to read a file which is FB 81 or FB79 the cobol program gives an file status and disallow working with this file.
More interesting:
FD INFILE RECORD CONTAINS 10 to 100 CHARACTERS.
01 INRECORD PIC X(100).
So you can't use a Variable File with LRECL of 20, because it always has to have the full length that is defined in the program.

Idea priority Medium
  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Dec 8, 2020

    IBM Enterprise COBOL is a continuous delivery offering, and aims to satisfy the needs of a rapidly evolving market segment. Product strategy evolves and requirements are continuously evaluated against that strategy. This RFE has recently been reappraised against the wider product strategy and does not fall into IBMs delivery plans for the next 24 month. Whilst this RFE might be valid and we might look to deliver longer term, this RFE is being rejected at this time.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Sep 14, 2015

    Due to processing by IBM, this request was reassigned to have the following updated attributes:
    Brand - Servers and Systems Software
    Product family - Programming Languages
    Product - COBOL Compilers

    For recording keeping, the previous attributes were:
    Brand - Rational
    Product family - Design & development
    Product - COBOL Compilers

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Apr 2, 2014

    This is in-line with IBM's multi year strategy. This is a valid request, but has not yet been put in plan. Further updates will be made to this RFE once it has been put into plan.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Mar 17, 2014

    IBM requires more time to evaluate this request.