How do you define record layouts in COBOL?

Record layouts in COBOL are defined in the FILE SECTION using FD (File Description) entries, specifying the structure and format of records within files.

What are record operations in COBOL?

Record operations in COBOL include reading, writing, updating, and deleting records, along with record validation, transformation, and processing operations.

How do you validate records in COBOL?

Records in COBOL are validated using data validation techniques, format checking, range validation, and business rule validation to ensure data integrity.

What is record processing in COBOL?

Record processing in COBOL involves handling individual records during file operations, including data transformation, calculation, and business logic application.

How do you handle record errors in COBOL?

Record errors in COBOL are handled using file status codes, error handling routines, and validation procedures to manage various record processing failures.

MainframeMaster

COBOL Record Management Concepts

Record management in COBOL involves handling individual records within files, including record layout definition, data validation, record processing, and record operations. Understanding record management concepts is essential for COBOL programming as most business applications require efficient record handling. Proper record management ensures data integrity, efficient processing, and reliable data operations.

Understanding Record Management

Record management in COBOL encompasses all aspects of handling individual records including layout definition, data validation, processing operations, and error handling. Records are the fundamental units of data in COBOL files, and proper record management ensures data integrity and efficient processing. Different record management techniques are appropriate for different file organizations and business requirements.

Record Layout Definition

1. Basic Record Structure

Record layout definition specifies the structure and format of records within files. Proper record definition ensures data integrity and efficient processing operations.

cobol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
       DATA DIVISION.
       FILE SECTION.
       FD CUSTOMER-FILE.
       01 CUSTOMER-RECORD.
           05 CUSTOMER-ID       PIC 9(5).
           05 CUSTOMER-NAME     PIC X(20).
           05 CUSTOMER-ADDRESS  PIC X(50).
           05 CUSTOMER-BALANCE  PIC 9(8)V99.
           05 CUSTOMER-PHONE    PIC X(12).
           05 CUSTOMER-STATUS   PIC X(1).
               88 ACTIVE-CUSTOMER    VALUE 'A'.
               88 INACTIVE-CUSTOMER  VALUE 'I'.
       
       WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
       01 RECORD-CONTROLS.
           05 RECORD-COUNT      PIC 9(6) VALUE 0.
           05 VALID-RECORDS     PIC 9(6) VALUE 0.
           05 INVALID-RECORDS   PIC 9(6) VALUE 0.
       
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
       RECORD-MANAGEMENT-EXAMPLE.
           DISPLAY 'Record Management Example'
           
           OPEN INPUT CUSTOMER-FILE
           
           PERFORM UNTIL FILE-EOF
               READ CUSTOMER-FILE
               IF FILE-OK
                   ADD 1 TO RECORD-COUNT
                   PERFORM VALIDATE-CUSTOMER-RECORD
                   IF RECORD-VALID
                       ADD 1 TO VALID-RECORDS
                       PERFORM PROCESS-VALID-RECORD
                   ELSE
                       ADD 1 TO INVALID-RECORDS
                       PERFORM PROCESS-INVALID-RECORD
                   END-IF
               END-IF
           END-PERFORM
           
           CLOSE CUSTOMER-FILE

Record layout definition provides a clear structure for data within files. Hierarchical record structures help organize related data fields logically and enable efficient processing.

2. Complex Record Structures

Complex record structures use hierarchical organization with multiple levels and groups to represent complex data relationships and business entities.

cobol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
       DATA DIVISION.
       FILE SECTION.
       FD EMPLOYEE-FILE.
       01 EMPLOYEE-RECORD.
           05 EMPLOYEE-ID       PIC 9(6).
           05 EMPLOYEE-NAME.
               10 FIRST-NAME     PIC X(15).
               10 LAST-NAME      PIC X(20).
           05 EMPLOYEE-ADDRESS.
               10 STREET         PIC X(30).
               10 CITY           PIC X(20).
               10 STATE          PIC X(2).
               10 ZIP-CODE       PIC X(10).
           05 EMPLOYEE-DATA.
               10 DEPARTMENT     PIC X(10).
               10 SALARY         PIC 9(8)V99.
               10 HIRE-DATE      PIC 9(8).
               10 BENEFITS.
                   15 HEALTH-INS PIC X(1).
                   15 DENTAL-INS PIC X(1).
                   15 LIFE-INS   PIC X(1).
       
       WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
       01 RECORD-PROCESSING.
           05 PROCESSING-STATUS PIC X(1).
               88 RECORD-VALID   VALUE 'V'.
               88 RECORD-INVALID VALUE 'I'.
       
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
       COMPLEX-RECORD-EXAMPLE.
           DISPLAY 'Complex Record Structure Example'
           
           OPEN INPUT EMPLOYEE-FILE
           
           PERFORM UNTIL FILE-EOF
               READ EMPLOYEE-FILE
               IF FILE-OK
                   PERFORM PROCESS-EMPLOYEE-RECORD
               END-IF
           END-PERFORM
           
           CLOSE EMPLOYEE-FILE.
       
       PROCESS-EMPLOYEE-RECORD.
           DISPLAY 'Processing employee: ' EMPLOYEE-ID
           DISPLAY 'Name: ' FIRST-NAME ' ' LAST-NAME
           DISPLAY 'Department: ' DEPARTMENT
           DISPLAY 'Salary: ' SALARY

Complex record structures use hierarchical organization to represent complex business entities. This approach provides clear data organization and enables efficient access to related data fields.

Record Validation

1. Data Validation

Data validation ensures record integrity by checking data content for correctness, completeness, and business rule compliance before processing.

cobol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
       VALIDATE-CUSTOMER-RECORD.
           MOVE 'V' TO PROCESSING-STATUS
           
           *> Check required fields
           IF CUSTOMER-ID = 0
               DISPLAY 'ERROR: Customer ID is required'
               MOVE 'I' TO PROCESSING-STATUS
           END-IF
           
           IF CUSTOMER-NAME = SPACES
               DISPLAY 'ERROR: Customer name is required'
               MOVE 'I' TO PROCESSING-STATUS
           END-IF
           
           *> Check data ranges
           IF CUSTOMER-BALANCE < 0 OR CUSTOMER-BALANCE > 999999.99
               DISPLAY 'ERROR: Balance out of range: ' CUSTOMER-BALANCE
               MOVE 'I' TO PROCESSING-STATUS
           END-IF
           
           *> Check status values
           IF CUSTOMER-STATUS NOT = 'A' AND CUSTOMER-STATUS NOT = 'I'
               DISPLAY 'ERROR: Invalid status: ' CUSTOMER-STATUS
               MOVE 'I' TO PROCESSING-STATUS
           END-IF
           
           *> Check phone format
           IF CUSTOMER-PHONE = SPACES
               DISPLAY 'ERROR: Phone number is required'
               MOVE 'I' TO PROCESSING-STATUS
           END-IF.
       
       PROCESS-VALID-RECORD.
           DISPLAY 'Processing valid record: ' CUSTOMER-ID ' ' CUSTOMER-NAME.
       
       PROCESS-INVALID-RECORD.
           DISPLAY 'Skipping invalid record: ' CUSTOMER-ID

Data validation ensures record integrity by checking required fields, data ranges, format compliance, and business rules. Invalid records are identified and handled appropriately.

2. Business Rule Validation

Business rule validation enforces specific business logic and constraints that must be satisfied for records to be considered valid for processing.

cobol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
       VALIDATE-BUSINESS-RULES.
           DISPLAY 'Validating business rules'
           
           *> Check credit limit rules
           IF CUSTOMER-BALANCE > CREDIT-LIMIT
               DISPLAY 'ERROR: Customer exceeds credit limit'
               DISPLAY 'Balance: ' CUSTOMER-BALANCE
               DISPLAY 'Credit Limit: ' CREDIT-LIMIT
               MOVE 'I' TO PROCESSING-STATUS
           END-IF
           
           *> Check account status rules
           IF CUSTOMER-STATUS = 'I'
               DISPLAY 'WARNING: Processing inactive customer'
               PERFORM HANDLE-INACTIVE-CUSTOMER
           END-IF
           
           *> Check transaction limits
           IF DAILY-TRANSACTION-COUNT >= MAX-DAILY-TRANSACTIONS
               DISPLAY 'ERROR: Daily transaction limit exceeded'
               MOVE 'I' TO PROCESSING-STATUS
           END-IF
           
           *> Check business hours
           IF CURRENT-TIME < BUSINESS-START-TIME OR 
              CURRENT-TIME > BUSINESS-END-TIME
               DISPLAY 'WARNING: Processing outside business hours'
               PERFORM HANDLE-AFTER-HOURS-PROCESSING
           END-IF.
       
       HANDLE-INACTIVE-CUSTOMER.
           DISPLAY 'Handling inactive customer: ' CUSTOMER-ID
           ADD 1 TO INACTIVE-CUSTOMER-COUNT.
       
       HANDLE-AFTER-HOURS-PROCESSING.
           DISPLAY 'After hours processing for: ' CUSTOMER-ID
           ADD 1 TO AFTER-HOURS-COUNT

Business rule validation enforces specific business constraints and logic. These rules ensure records comply with business policies and regulatory requirements.

Record Operations

1. Record Reading Operations

Record reading operations retrieve records from files using various access methods and handle different file organizations efficiently.

cobol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
       RECORD-READING-OPERATIONS.
           DISPLAY 'Record Reading Operations'
           
           OPEN INPUT CUSTOMER-FILE
           
           *> Sequential reading
           PERFORM UNTIL FILE-EOF
               READ CUSTOMER-FILE
               IF FILE-OK
                   PERFORM PROCESS-CURRENT-RECORD
               ELSE
                   IF FILE-EOF
                       DISPLAY 'End of file reached'
                   ELSE
                       DISPLAY 'Read error: ' FILE-STATUS
                   END-IF
               END-IF
           END-PERFORM
           
           CLOSE CUSTOMER-FILE.
       
       PROCESS-CURRENT-RECORD.
           DISPLAY 'Processing record: ' CUSTOMER-ID
           ADD 1 TO RECORD-COUNT
           
           *> Process record data
           PERFORM CALCULATE-TOTALS
           PERFORM UPDATE-STATISTICS.
       
       CALCULATE-TOTALS.
           ADD CUSTOMER-BALANCE TO TOTAL-BALANCE
           ADD 1 TO CUSTOMER-COUNT.
       
       UPDATE-STATISTICS.
           IF CUSTOMER-BALANCE > HIGH-BALANCE
               MOVE CUSTOMER-BALANCE TO HIGH-BALANCE
           END-IF
           
           IF CUSTOMER-BALANCE < LOW-BALANCE
               MOVE CUSTOMER-BALANCE TO LOW-BALANCE
           END-IF

Record reading operations retrieve records from files using appropriate access methods. Proper error handling ensures reliable record processing and error recovery.

2. Record Writing Operations

Record writing operations create new records in files, handling various file organizations and ensuring proper data formatting and validation.

cobol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
       RECORD-WRITING-OPERATIONS.
           DISPLAY 'Record Writing Operations'
           
           OPEN OUTPUT OUTPUT-FILE
           
           *> Write header record
           PERFORM WRITE-HEADER-RECORD
           
           *> Write data records
           PERFORM VARYING WRITE-INDEX FROM 1 BY 1
               UNTIL WRITE-INDEX > 10
               PERFORM WRITE-DATA-RECORD
           END-PERFORM
           
           *> Write trailer record
           PERFORM WRITE-TRAILER-RECORD
           
           CLOSE OUTPUT-FILE.
       
       WRITE-HEADER-RECORD.
           MOVE 'HEADER' TO RECORD-TYPE
           MOVE FUNCTION CURRENT-DATE TO RECORD-DATE
           MOVE 'CUSTOMER REPORT' TO RECORD-DESCRIPTION
           WRITE OUTPUT-RECORD
           DISPLAY 'Header record written'.
       
       WRITE-DATA-RECORD.
           MOVE 'DATA' TO RECORD-TYPE
           MOVE WRITE-INDEX TO RECORD-NUMBER
           STRING 'Customer ' DELIMITED BY SIZE
                  WRITE-INDEX DELIMITED BY SIZE
                  INTO RECORD-DESCRIPTION
           END-STRING
           WRITE OUTPUT-RECORD
           DISPLAY 'Data record written: ' WRITE-INDEX.
       
       WRITE-TRAILER-RECORD.
           MOVE 'TRAILER' TO RECORD-TYPE
           MOVE RECORD-COUNT TO RECORD-NUMBER
           MOVE 'END OF REPORT' TO RECORD-DESCRIPTION
           WRITE OUTPUT-RECORD
           DISPLAY 'Trailer record written'

Record writing operations create new records in files with proper formatting and validation. Header, data, and trailer records provide structured file organization.

Record Processing

1. Data Transformation

Data transformation involves converting record data from one format to another, applying business rules, and preparing data for different processing requirements.

cobol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
       DATA-TRANSFORMATION-EXAMPLE.
           DISPLAY 'Data Transformation Example'
           
           OPEN INPUT INPUT-FILE
           OPEN OUTPUT OUTPUT-FILE
           
           PERFORM UNTIL FILE-EOF
               READ INPUT-FILE
               IF FILE-OK
                   PERFORM TRANSFORM-RECORD
                   WRITE OUTPUT-RECORD
               END-IF
           END-PERFORM
           
           CLOSE INPUT-FILE
           CLOSE OUTPUT-FILE.
       
       TRANSFORM-RECORD.
           *> Transform customer data
           MOVE CUSTOMER-ID TO OUTPUT-CUSTOMER-ID
           
           *> Convert name to uppercase
           MOVE FUNCTION UPPER-CASE(CUSTOMER-NAME) TO OUTPUT-CUSTOMER-NAME
           
           *> Format balance with currency
           MOVE CUSTOMER-BALANCE TO OUTPUT-BALANCE
           
           *> Format phone number
           PERFORM FORMAT-PHONE-NUMBER
           
           *> Calculate derived fields
           PERFORM CALCULATE-DERIVED-FIELDS.
       
       FORMAT-PHONE-NUMBER.
           *> Format phone as (XXX) XXX-XXXX
           MOVE CUSTOMER-PHONE(1:3) TO OUTPUT-PHONE(2:3)
           MOVE CUSTOMER-PHONE(4:3) TO OUTPUT-PHONE(7:3)
           MOVE CUSTOMER-PHONE(7:4) TO OUTPUT-PHONE(11:4)
           MOVE '(' TO OUTPUT-PHONE(1:1)
           MOVE ')' TO OUTPUT-PHONE(5:1)
           MOVE ' ' TO OUTPUT-PHONE(6:1)
           MOVE '-' TO OUTPUT-PHONE(10:1).
       
       CALCULATE-DERIVED-FIELDS.
           *> Calculate customer tier based on balance
           IF CUSTOMER-BALANCE > 10000.00
               MOVE 'GOLD' TO OUTPUT-CUSTOMER-TIER
           ELSE
               IF CUSTOMER-BALANCE > 5000.00
                   MOVE 'SILVER' TO OUTPUT-CUSTOMER-TIER
               ELSE
                   MOVE 'BRONZE' TO OUTPUT-CUSTOMER-TIER
               END-IF
           END-IF

Data transformation converts record data between formats, applies business rules, and prepares data for different processing requirements. This ensures data consistency and proper formatting.

2. Record Aggregation

Record aggregation combines multiple records to create summary information, totals, and aggregated data for reporting and analysis purposes.

cobol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
       RECORD-AGGREGATION-EXAMPLE.
           DISPLAY 'Record Aggregation Example'
           
           OPEN INPUT CUSTOMER-FILE
           
           *> Initialize aggregation variables
           MOVE 0 TO TOTAL-CUSTOMERS
           MOVE 0 TO TOTAL-BALANCE
           MOVE 0 TO ACTIVE-CUSTOMERS
           MOVE 0 TO INACTIVE-CUSTOMERS
           
           PERFORM UNTIL FILE-EOF
               READ CUSTOMER-FILE
               IF FILE-OK
                   PERFORM AGGREGATE-RECORD-DATA
               END-IF
           END-PERFORM
           
           *> Display aggregation results
           PERFORM DISPLAY-AGGREGATION-RESULTS
           
           CLOSE CUSTOMER-FILE.
       
       AGGREGATE-RECORD-DATA.
           ADD 1 TO TOTAL-CUSTOMERS
           ADD CUSTOMER-BALANCE TO TOTAL-BALANCE
           
           IF ACTIVE-CUSTOMER
               ADD 1 TO ACTIVE-CUSTOMERS
           ELSE
               ADD 1 TO INACTIVE-CUSTOMERS
           END-IF
           
           *> Track balance ranges
           IF CUSTOMER-BALANCE > 10000.00
               ADD 1 TO HIGH-BALANCE-CUSTOMERS
           ELSE
               IF CUSTOMER-BALANCE > 1000.00
                   ADD 1 TO MEDIUM-BALANCE-CUSTOMERS
               ELSE
                   ADD 1 TO LOW-BALANCE-CUSTOMERS
               END-IF
           END-IF.
       
       DISPLAY-AGGREGATION-RESULTS.
           DISPLAY 'Aggregation Results:'
           DISPLAY 'Total Customers: ' TOTAL-CUSTOMERS
           DISPLAY 'Total Balance: ' TOTAL-BALANCE
           DISPLAY 'Active Customers: ' ACTIVE-CUSTOMERS
           DISPLAY 'Inactive Customers: ' INACTIVE-CUSTOMERS
           DISPLAY 'High Balance (>10K): ' HIGH-BALANCE-CUSTOMERS
           DISPLAY 'Medium Balance (1K-10K): ' MEDIUM-BALANCE-CUSTOMERS
           DISPLAY 'Low Balance (<1K): ' LOW-BALANCE-CUSTOMERS

Record aggregation combines multiple records to create summary information and totals. This provides valuable insights for reporting and business analysis.

Best Practices for Record Management

Define Clear Record Layouts: Use clear, well-documented record structures
Validate All Records: Implement comprehensive record validation
Handle Errors Gracefully: Provide proper error handling for record operations
Use Appropriate Access Methods: Choose the right access method for each operation
Implement Data Transformation: Use consistent data transformation techniques
Monitor Record Processing: Track record processing statistics and performance

Common Record Management Patterns

Master File Processing: Process master files with validation and updates
Transaction Processing: Handle transaction records with business rule validation
Report Generation: Process records for report generation with aggregation
Data Migration: Transform records during data migration processes
Data Validation: Validate records for data quality and integrity
Batch Processing: Process large volumes of records efficiently

COBOL Record Management Concepts

Understanding Record Management

Record Layout Definition

1. Basic Record Structure

2. Complex Record Structures

Record Validation

1. Data Validation

2. Business Rule Validation

Record Operations

1. Record Reading Operations

2. Record Writing Operations

Record Processing

1. Data Transformation

2. Record Aggregation

Best Practices for Record Management

Common Record Management Patterns

File Processing

Record Operations

Data Validation

File Handling

Data Management

Error Handling