Post #1
0 votes
Jordan
Reputation
12
Posts: 32
Joined: May 2, 2026, 11:10 AM
Posted: Jul 26, 2026, 11:39 AM
COBOL source keeps failing because I typed starting at column 1 like a normal person. What are columns 1-6 and 7 even for?
Thread: General
Why does everything have to start in column 8?
Started by Jordan • user3 replies187 viewsLast activity 2 weeks ago
Post #2
1 votes
Marty
Reputation
412
Posts: 58
Joined: Aug 12, 2024, 9:14 AM
Posted: Jul 26, 2026, 1:39 PM
Fixed format leftovers:
1-6 sequence numbers (optional)
7 indicator (* for comment, - for continuation, etc)
8-11 Area A (division headers, 01 items, paragraph names)
12-72 Area B (most statements)
Yes it feels archaic. ISPF editors often have a NUM OFF / caps habit that helps.
Post #3
0 votes
Susan
Reputation
167
Posts: 26
Joined: Jan 19, 2025, 4:12 PM
Posted: Jul 26, 2026, 3:39 PM
Turn on cols in the editor profile so you can see where 8 and 12 are until it becomes muscle memory.
You must be signed in to reply to this thread