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COBOL Tutorial

COBOL AUTO-SKIP Clause

The AUTO-SKIP clause represents one of COBOL's most sophisticated and specialized screen navigation mechanisms, serving as the primary tool for implementing automatic field skipping, advanced cursor flow control, and sophisticated user interface optimization that enables applications to create intelligent, efficient, and context-aware interactive interfaces. Far more than a simple navigation directive, the AUTO-SKIP clause embodies COBOL's comprehensive approach to screen programming by providing automatic field bypassing controls, sophisticated navigation optimization, advanced user experience enhancement, and comprehensive interface flow management mechanisms that enable applications to implement enterprise-grade interactive processing, sophisticated screen navigation patterns, and advanced user interface control capabilities while maintaining optimal user productivity, interface efficiency, and robust navigation control features that are essential for mission-critical interactive applications requiring intelligent screen flow and optimized user interaction patterns.

In enterprise computing environments, the AUTO-SKIP clause serves as a critical foundation for advanced screen navigation implementation, enabling developers to create sophisticated interactive applications that handle complex user interface requirements, implement intelligent field skipping patterns, provide optimal navigation characteristics, and maintain enterprise-grade interface capabilities. Its capabilities extend far beyond simple field skipping to encompass sophisticated cursor management techniques, advanced navigation optimization strategies, complex user interface control patterns, and integration with modern screen management systems that are essential for applications requiring comprehensive screen programming and enterprise-grade navigation management capabilities that support complex user interaction requirements and advanced interface optimization patterns across multiple terminal types and sophisticated user interface architectures.

Understanding COBOL AUTO-SKIP Clause for Screen Navigation

What is the AUTO-SKIP Clause?

The AUTO-SKIP clause is a specialized COBOL screen description attribute that instructs the system to automatically skip over a field during cursor navigation, making the field non-enterable for user input. Unlike regular input fields, AUTO-SKIP fields are typically used for display-only purposes, labels, or calculated values that should not be modified by user interaction. When a user navigates through a screen using Tab, Enter, or arrow keys, the cursor automatically bypasses AUTO-SKIP fields and moves to the next available input field.

This capability is essential for creating professional, efficient user interfaces where certain fields serve informational purposes only. AUTO-SKIP is particularly valuable in complex forms with mixed input and display fields, transaction screens with calculated totals, and inquiry screens where some data should be visible but not modifiable. The clause enhances user experience by eliminating unnecessary stops at non-input fields, creating smoother navigation patterns that improve productivity and reduce user confusion.

Key Functions of AUTO-SKIP:

  • Automatic Field Bypassing: Skips fields automatically during navigation
  • Display-Only Control: Creates non-enterable display fields
  • Navigation Optimization: Improves cursor flow and user efficiency
  • Interface Design: Enables mixed input/display field layouts
  • User Experience Enhancement: Reduces navigation complexity and confusion

AUTO-SKIP Clause Syntax and Implementation

The AUTO-SKIP clause is used within SCREEN SECTION definitions as part of field attribute specifications. It works in conjunction with other screen attributes to create comprehensive field behavior patterns. AUTO-SKIP fields are typically combined with FROM clauses to display data values, or used with VALUE clauses for static text that should not be part of the navigation sequence.

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*> Basic AUTO-SKIP clause usage for display fields
IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. AUTO-SKIP-DEMO.
 
DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01  CUSTOMER-DATA.
    05  CUST-ID              PIC X(10) VALUE "CUST001234".
    05  CUST-NAME            PIC X(30) VALUE "JOHN DOE ENTERPRISES".
    05  CUST-BALANCE         PIC S9(8)V99 VALUE 15000.50.
    05  CUST-CREDIT-LIMIT    PIC 9(8)V99 VALUE 25000.00.
    05  AVAILABLE-CREDIT     PIC S9(8)V99.
 
01  INPUT-FIELDS.
    05  NEW-ORDER-AMOUNT     PIC 9(8)V99.
    05  DISCOUNT-PERCENT     PIC 99V99.
    05  PAYMENT-TERMS        PIC X(20).
 
01  CALCULATED-FIELDS.
    05  ORDER-TOTAL          PIC 9(8)V99.
    05  NET-AMOUNT           PIC 9(8)V99.
    05  REMAINING-CREDIT     PIC S9(8)V99.
 
SCREEN SECTION.
01  CUSTOMER-ORDER-SCREEN.
    05  BLANK SCREEN.
    05  LINE 2 COLUMN 25 VALUE "CUSTOMER ORDER ENTRY".
    
    *> Display-only fields with AUTO-SKIP
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Customer ID:".
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 15 PIC X(10) FROM CUST-ID
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 5 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Customer Name:".
    05  LINE 5 COLUMN 15 PIC X(30) FROM CUST-NAME
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 6 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Current Balance:".
    05  LINE 6 COLUMN 18 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99- FROM CUST-BALANCE
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Credit Limit:".
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 15 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM CUST-CREDIT-LIMIT
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 8 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Available Credit:".
    05  LINE 8 COLUMN 19 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99- FROM AVAILABLE-CREDIT
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 2.
    
    *> Input fields (no AUTO-SKIP)
    05  LINE 10 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Order Amount:".
    05  LINE 10 COLUMN 15 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 USING NEW-ORDER-AMOUNT
        REQUIRED
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 11 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Discount %:".
    05  LINE 11 COLUMN 13 PIC ZZ9.99 USING DISCOUNT-PERCENT
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 12 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Payment Terms:".
    05  LINE 12 COLUMN 16 PIC X(20) USING PAYMENT-TERMS
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    *> Calculated display fields with AUTO-SKIP
    05  LINE 14 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Order Total:".
    05  LINE 14 COLUMN 15 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM ORDER-TOTAL
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 4.
    
    05  LINE 15 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Net Amount:".
    05  LINE 15 COLUMN 15 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM NET-AMOUNT
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 4.
    
    05  LINE 16 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Remaining Credit:".
    05  LINE 16 COLUMN 19 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99- FROM REMAINING-CREDIT
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 6.
    
    05  LINE 18 COLUMN 1 VALUE "F3=Save F12=Cancel F4=Calculate".
 
*> Advanced AUTO-SKIP with conditional display
01  DETAILED-INQUIRY-SCREEN.
    05  BLANK SCREEN.
    05  LINE 2 COLUMN 20 VALUE "CUSTOMER DETAIL INQUIRY".
    
    *> Header information - all AUTO-SKIP
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Account Information".
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 20 VALUE "=================="
        AUTO-SKIP.
    
    05  LINE 5 COLUMN 1 VALUE "ID:".
    05  LINE 5 COLUMN 5 PIC X(10) FROM CUST-ID
        AUTO-SKIP.
    
    05  LINE 5 COLUMN 20 VALUE "Name:".
    05  LINE 5 COLUMN 26 PIC X(30) FROM CUST-NAME
        AUTO-SKIP.
    
    *> Financial summary - AUTO-SKIP display fields
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Financial Summary".
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 19 VALUE "================="
        AUTO-SKIP.
    
    05  LINE 8 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Balance:".
    05  LINE 8 COLUMN 10 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99- FROM CUST-BALANCE
        AUTO-SKIP.
    
    05  LINE 8 COLUMN 25 VALUE "Limit:".
    05  LINE 8 COLUMN 32 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM CUST-CREDIT-LIMIT
        AUTO-SKIP.
    
    05  LINE 9 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Available:".
    05  LINE 9 COLUMN 12 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99- FROM AVAILABLE-CREDIT
        AUTO-SKIP.
 
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
MAIN-PROCESSING.
    PERFORM CALCULATE-AVAILABLE-CREDIT
    PERFORM CUSTOMER-ORDER-ENTRY
    PERFORM PROCESS-ORDER-DATA
    GOBACK.
 
CALCULATE-AVAILABLE-CREDIT.
    COMPUTE AVAILABLE-CREDIT = CUST-CREDIT-LIMIT - CUST-BALANCE.
 
CUSTOMER-ORDER-ENTRY.
    PERFORM CALCULATE-AVAILABLE-CREDIT
    DISPLAY CUSTOMER-ORDER-SCREEN
    
    *> Navigation will automatically skip display-only fields
    ACCEPT CUSTOMER-ORDER-SCREEN
    
    *> Calculate totals for display fields
    PERFORM CALCULATE-ORDER-TOTALS
    
    *> Redisplay with calculated values
    DISPLAY CUSTOMER-ORDER-SCREEN.
 
CALCULATE-ORDER-TOTALS.
    *> Calculate order total
    COMPUTE ORDER-TOTAL = NEW-ORDER-AMOUNT
    
    *> Apply discount
    COMPUTE NET-AMOUNT = ORDER-TOTAL * 
        (100 - DISCOUNT-PERCENT) / 100
    
    *> Calculate remaining credit after order
    COMPUTE REMAINING-CREDIT = AVAILABLE-CREDIT - NET-AMOUNT.

Basic AUTO-SKIP usage showing display-only fields that are automatically skipped during navigation.

Notice how the AUTO-SKIP fields are used for display purposes only. Customer information, calculated totals, and labels all use AUTO-SKIP to prevent user input while still showing important information. The cursor automatically moves between input fields (Order Amount, Discount %, Payment Terms) without stopping at the display-only fields, creating an efficient navigation experience.

Advanced AUTO-SKIP Patterns and Techniques

Advanced AUTO-SKIP usage involves sophisticated combinations with other screen attributes and dynamic field control to create intelligent user interfaces. These patterns include conditional AUTO-SKIP behavior, context-sensitive field skipping, and integration with complex business logic. Such implementations are essential for enterprise applications requiring sophisticated user interface control and dynamic navigation patterns.

Modern COBOL screen programming leverages AUTO-SKIP in conjunction with conditional display logic, dynamic field enabling/disabling, and context-aware interface design to create responsive, intelligent user interfaces. These advanced patterns enable applications to adapt their navigation behavior based on user context, business rules, and operational requirements.

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*> Advanced AUTO-SKIP with conditional navigation
IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. ADVANCED-AUTO-SKIP.
 
DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01  TRANSACTION-MODE         PIC X(10) VALUE "INQUIRY".
01  USER-LEVEL              PIC 9(1) VALUE 1.
01  SYSTEM-STATUS           PIC X(10) VALUE "ONLINE".
 
01  ACCOUNT-DATA.
    05  ACCOUNT-NUMBER       PIC X(12).
    05  ACCOUNT-TYPE         PIC X(10).
    05  ACCOUNT-STATUS       PIC X(8).
    05  CURRENT-BALANCE      PIC S9(8)V99.
    05  PENDING-DEPOSITS     PIC 9(8)V99.
    05  PENDING-WITHDRAWALS  PIC 9(8)V99.
    05  AVAILABLE-BALANCE    PIC S9(8)V99.
 
01  CONTROL-FLAGS.
    05  ALLOW-UPDATES        PIC X(1) VALUE 'N'.
    05  SHOW-DETAILS         PIC X(1) VALUE 'Y'.
    05  ADMIN-MODE           PIC X(1) VALUE 'N'.
 
SCREEN SECTION.
01  DYNAMIC-ACCOUNT-SCREEN.
    05  BLANK SCREEN.
    05  LINE 1 COLUMN 25 VALUE "ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM".
    
    *> Status bar - always AUTO-SKIP
    05  LINE 2 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Mode:".
    05  LINE 2 COLUMN 7 PIC X(10) FROM TRANSACTION-MODE
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 2.
    
    05  LINE 2 COLUMN 20 VALUE "Status:".
    05  LINE 2 COLUMN 28 PIC X(10) FROM SYSTEM-STATUS
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 3.
    
    *> Account input/display - conditional AUTO-SKIP
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Account Number:".
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 17 PIC X(12) USING ACCOUNT-NUMBER
        REQUIRED
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    *> Conditional display fields
    05  LINE 6 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Account Type:".
    05  LINE 6 COLUMN 15 PIC X(10) FROM ACCOUNT-TYPE
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Status:".
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 9 PIC X(8) FROM ACCOUNT-STATUS
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    *> Balance information - AUTO-SKIP for inquiry, input for updates
    05  LINE 9 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Current Balance:".
    05  LINE 9 COLUMN 18 PIC ZZZ,ZZZ,ZZ9.99- FROM CURRENT-BALANCE
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 10 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Pending Deposits:".
    05  LINE 10 COLUMN 19 PIC ZZZ,ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM PENDING-DEPOSITS
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 11 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Pending Withdrawals:".
    05  LINE 11 COLUMN 22 PIC ZZZ,ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM PENDING-WITHDRAWALS
        AUTO-SKIP
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 12 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Available Balance:".
    05  LINE 12 COLUMN 20 PIC ZZZ,ZZZ,ZZ9.99- FROM AVAILABLE-BALANCE
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 4.
    
    *> Administrative fields - conditionally displayed
    05  LINE 14 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Administrative Functions"
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 6.
    
    05  LINE 15 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Update Mode:".
    05  LINE 15 COLUMN 14 PIC X(1) USING ALLOW-UPDATES
        HIGHLIGHT.
    
    05  LINE 16 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Show Details:".
    05  LINE 16 COLUMN 15 PIC X(1) USING SHOW-DETAILS
        HIGHLIGHT.
 
*> Context-sensitive screen with dynamic AUTO-SKIP
01  CONTEXT-AWARE-SCREEN.
    05  BLANK SCREEN.
    05  LINE 2 COLUMN 20 VALUE "CONTEXT-SENSITIVE INTERFACE".
    
    *> Navigation instructions - AUTO-SKIP
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Tab skips display fields automatically"
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 7.
    
    *> Mixed field types with intelligent skipping
    05  LINE 6 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Reference:".
    05  LINE 6 COLUMN 12 PIC X(15) FROM REFERENCE-NUMBER
        AUTO-SKIP.
    
    05  LINE 6 COLUMN 30 VALUE "Amount:".
    05  LINE 6 COLUMN 38 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 USING TRANSACTION-AMOUNT
        REQUIRED.
    
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Fee:".
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 6 PIC ZZ9.99 FROM CALCULATED-FEE
        AUTO-SKIP.
    
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 15 VALUE "Type:".
    05  LINE 7 COLUMN 21 PIC X(10) USING TRANSACTION-TYPE
        REQUIRED.
    
    05  LINE 8 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Total:".
    05  LINE 8 COLUMN 8 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM TOTAL-AMOUNT
        AUTO-SKIP
        FOREGROUND-COLOR 4.
 
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
ADVANCED-PROCESSING.
    PERFORM DETERMINE-USER-CONTEXT
    PERFORM DYNAMIC-SCREEN-DISPLAY
    PERFORM PROCESS-USER-INPUT
    GOBACK.
 
DETERMINE-USER-CONTEXT.
    *> Set navigation behavior based on user context
    EVALUATE USER-LEVEL
        WHEN 1
            MOVE "INQUIRY" TO TRANSACTION-MODE
            MOVE 'N' TO ALLOW-UPDATES
        WHEN 2
            MOVE "STANDARD" TO TRANSACTION-MODE  
            MOVE 'Y' TO ALLOW-UPDATES
        WHEN 3
            MOVE "ADMIN" TO TRANSACTION-MODE
            MOVE 'Y' TO ALLOW-UPDATES
            MOVE 'Y' TO ADMIN-MODE
    END-EVALUATE.
 
DYNAMIC-SCREEN-DISPLAY.
    *> Display screen with context-appropriate navigation
    DISPLAY DYNAMIC-ACCOUNT-SCREEN
    
    *> AUTO-SKIP fields will be automatically skipped
    ACCEPT DYNAMIC-ACCOUNT-SCREEN
    
    *> Process based on what fields were actually accessible
    PERFORM VALIDATE-ACCESSIBLE-FIELDS.

Advanced AUTO-SKIP patterns with conditional navigation and context-sensitive field control.

AUTO-SKIP Performance and Navigation Optimization

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*> Performance-optimized AUTO-SKIP implementation
01  NAVIGATION-METRICS.
    05  TOTAL-FIELDS         PIC 9(3) VALUE 0.
    05  SKIPPABLE-FIELDS     PIC 9(3) VALUE 0.
    05  INPUT-FIELDS         PIC 9(3) VALUE 0.
    05  NAVIGATION-EFFICIENCY PIC 99V99.
 
*> Optimized screen layout with strategic AUTO-SKIP
01  EFFICIENT-DATA-ENTRY.
    05  BLANK SCREEN.
    
    *> Compact layout with mixed field types
    05  LINE 3 COLUMN 1 VALUE "ID:".
    05  LINE 3 COLUMN 5 PIC X(6) FROM PRODUCT-ID AUTO-SKIP.
    05  LINE 3 COLUMN 15 VALUE "Qty:".
    05  LINE 3 COLUMN 20 PIC ZZ9 USING QUANTITY REQUIRED.
    05  LINE 3 COLUMN 25 VALUE "Price:".
    05  LINE 3 COLUMN 32 PIC ZZ9.99 FROM UNIT-PRICE AUTO-SKIP.
    05  LINE 3 COLUMN 40 VALUE "Total:".
    05  LINE 3 COLUMN 47 PIC ZZZ9.99 FROM LINE-TOTAL AUTO-SKIP.
    
    *> Next line continues pattern
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Code:".
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 7 PIC X(8) USING PRODUCT-CODE REQUIRED.
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 18 VALUE "Disc:".
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 24 PIC Z9.99 USING DISCOUNT-PCT.
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 32 VALUE "Net:".
    05  LINE 4 COLUMN 37 PIC ZZZ9.99 FROM NET-AMOUNT AUTO-SKIP.
 
*> Navigation flow optimization
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
OPTIMIZED-NAVIGATION.
    PERFORM CALCULATE-NAVIGATION-METRICS
    PERFORM EFFICIENT-DATA-ENTRY-LOOP
    PERFORM REPORT-NAVIGATION-EFFICIENCY.
 
CALCULATE-NAVIGATION-METRICS.
    MOVE 8 TO TOTAL-FIELDS
    MOVE 4 TO SKIPPABLE-FIELDS  
    MOVE 4 TO INPUT-FIELDS
    COMPUTE NAVIGATION-EFFICIENCY = 
        (INPUT-FIELDS / TOTAL-FIELDS) * 100.
 
EFFICIENT-DATA-ENTRY-LOOP.
    DISPLAY EFFICIENT-DATA-ENTRY
    
    *> Cursor automatically skips display-only fields
    ACCEPT EFFICIENT-DATA-ENTRY
    
    *> Validate only input fields
    PERFORM VALIDATE-INPUT-FIELDS.

AUTO-SKIP Best Practices

Enterprise AUTO-SKIP Implementation Guidelines

  • Consistent Visual Cues: Use consistent formatting for AUTO-SKIP fields
  • Logical Field Grouping: Group AUTO-SKIP fields logically with related input fields
  • Clear Field Purpose: Make it obvious which fields are display-only vs. input
  • Navigation Testing: Thoroughly test navigation flow with keyboard and mouse
  • User Documentation: Provide clear instructions about field navigation behavior
  • Performance Monitoring: Track navigation efficiency and user feedback

Common AUTO-SKIP Implementation Patterns

Display-Only Information Pattern

Use AUTO-SKIP for reference information, calculated values, and system-generated data.

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*> Information display with AUTO-SKIP
05  LINE 5 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Customer ID:".
05  LINE 5 COLUMN 14 PIC X(10) FROM CUST-ID AUTO-SKIP.
05  LINE 5 COLUMN 30 VALUE "Balance:".
05  LINE 5 COLUMN 39 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM BALANCE AUTO-SKIP.

Mixed Input/Display Layout Pattern

Combine input fields with AUTO-SKIP display fields for efficient screen layouts.

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*> Mixed layout with AUTO-SKIP optimization
05  LINE 7 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Product:".
05  LINE 7 COLUMN 10 PIC X(8) USING PRODUCT-CODE REQUIRED.
05  LINE 7 COLUMN 20 PIC X(20) FROM PRODUCT-NAME AUTO-SKIP.
05  LINE 7 COLUMN 45 VALUE "Price:".
05  LINE 7 COLUMN 52 PIC ZZ9.99 FROM UNIT-PRICE AUTO-SKIP.

Calculated Totals Pattern

Use AUTO-SKIP for calculated fields that should be visible but not editable.

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*> Calculated totals with AUTO-SKIP
05  LINE 15 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Subtotal:".
05  LINE 15 COLUMN 11 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM SUBTOTAL AUTO-SKIP.
05  LINE 16 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Tax:".
05  LINE 16 COLUMN 11 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM TAX-AMOUNT AUTO-SKIP.
05  LINE 17 COLUMN 1 VALUE "Total:".
05  LINE 17 COLUMN 11 PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 FROM TOTAL-AMOUNT AUTO-SKIP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between AUTO-SKIP and AUTO?

AUTO advances the cursor when a field is completely filled, while AUTO-SKIP bypasses the field entirely during navigation. AUTO is for input fields with automatic advancement; AUTO-SKIP is for display-only fields.

Q: Can users still access AUTO-SKIP fields with the mouse?

This depends on the COBOL implementation and terminal capabilities. Generally, AUTO-SKIP prevents keyboard navigation to the field, but mouse interaction behavior may vary by system.

Q: Should all display fields use AUTO-SKIP?

Not necessarily. Use AUTO-SKIP for fields that should be completely non-interactive. Some display fields might need to be selectable for copying text or other purposes.

Q: How does AUTO-SKIP affect screen reader accessibility?

AUTO-SKIP fields are typically still announced by screen readers but marked as non-interactive. This helps visually impaired users understand the complete screen content while recognizing which fields accept input.

Q: Can AUTO-SKIP be applied conditionally at runtime?

AUTO-SKIP is typically set at screen definition time. For dynamic behavior, you may need to use different screen definitions or compiler-specific extensions that support runtime attribute modification.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Basic AUTO-SKIP Implementation

Create an invoice entry screen with appropriate AUTO-SKIP fields for display-only information.

Requirements:

  • Customer information fields (AUTO-SKIP)
  • Product input fields (regular navigation)
  • Calculated totals (AUTO-SKIP)
  • Clear visual distinction between field types
  • Efficient navigation flow

Exercise 2: Mixed Navigation Pattern

Design a transaction screen with optimal mix of input fields and AUTO-SKIP display fields.

Requirements:

  • Account lookup with display-only account details
  • Transaction amount and type (input fields)
  • Real-time balance calculations (AUTO-SKIP)
  • Validation messages display areas
  • Performance-optimized navigation

Exercise 3: Context-Sensitive AUTO-SKIP

Build a screen that adapts AUTO-SKIP behavior based on user role and transaction context.

Requirements:

  • Role-based field accessibility
  • Dynamic AUTO-SKIP application
  • Context-aware navigation flow
  • Administrative override capabilities
  • User experience optimization

Knowledge Check Quiz

Question 1: AUTO-SKIP Purpose

What is the primary purpose of the AUTO-SKIP clause?

A) To automatically advance to the next field when full
B) To skip fields during cursor navigation
C) To validate field input automatically
D) To highlight important fields
Show Answer

B) To skip fields during cursor navigation - AUTO-SKIP makes fields non-enterable and automatically skipped during navigation.

Question 2: AUTO-SKIP Usage

Which type of fields typically use AUTO-SKIP?

A) Primary input fields
B) Required validation fields
C) Display-only and calculated fields
D) Password input fields
Show Answer

C) Display-only and calculated fields - AUTO-SKIP is used for fields that should be visible but not editable by users.

Question 3: Navigation Efficiency

How does AUTO-SKIP improve user experience?

A) By validating data automatically
B) By reducing unnecessary navigation stops
C) By highlighting important fields
D) By providing field help text
Show Answer

B) By reducing unnecessary navigation stops - AUTO-SKIP eliminates stops at non-input fields, creating smoother navigation flow.

Related Topics

AUTO

Learn about AUTO clause for automatic cursor advancement in input fields.

DISPLAY

Understand DISPLAY statements for screen output and user interface creation.

ACCEPT

Explore ACCEPT statements for user input processing and screen interaction.

Screen Handling

Complete guide to COBOL screen programming and user interface development.