Post #1
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Jordan
Reputation12
Posts: 32
Joined: 05/02/2026, 11:10 AM
Posted: 07/26/2026, 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?
COBOL source keeps failing because I typed starting at column 1 like a normal person. What are columns 1-6 and 7 even for?
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.
Turn on cols in the editor profile so you can see where 8 and 12 are until it becomes muscle memory.
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