COBOL Tutorial

COBOL BINARY-CHAR

The BINARY-CHAR data type in COBOL represents a specialized numeric format designed for seamless interoperability with C programming language applications, specifically matching the size and characteristics of C's char data type.

Understanding BINARY-CHAR

BINARY-CHAR matches the C language's 'char' data type, typically 8 bits (1 byte). This ensures perfect data compatibility when interfacing with C functions.

Key Characteristics:

Single byte storage (8 bits)
Range: 0-255 (unsigned) or -128 to 127 (signed)
Perfect C char compatibility
Ideal for status codes and flags

cobol

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DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01  STATUS-FLAGS.
    05  ERROR-CODE         USAGE BINARY-CHAR.
    05  OPERATION-MODE     USAGE BINARY-CHAR.
 
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
    MOVE 0 TO ERROR-CODE.
    CALL "c_function" USING BY VALUE ERROR-CODE.