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COBOL Tutorial

COBOL END-ACCEPT Statement

The END-ACCEPT statement represents a crucial component of structured COBOL programming, serving as an explicit scope terminator that clearly defines the boundaries of ACCEPT statement blocks. This statement embodies modern programming principles by providing unambiguous termination points for input processing operations, enabling sophisticated error handling, and supporting the development of robust, maintainable enterprise applications that require precise control over user input and data acquisition processes.

In contemporary enterprise COBOL development, END-ACCEPT plays a vital role in creating interactive applications that must handle complex input scenarios, validation requirements, and error conditions. By providing explicit termination for ACCEPT blocks, this statement enables developers to implement sophisticated input processing logic while maintaining code clarity and ensuring that input operations are properly bounded and controlled within the application's execution flow.

Understanding END-ACCEPT Architecture

The END-ACCEPT statement implements a sophisticated scope management system specifically designed for input processing operations. This architecture addresses the complexity inherent in modern input handling scenarios where ACCEPT statements must manage multiple input sources, validation rules, error conditions, and conditional processing paths. The explicit termination provided by END-ACCEPT ensures that all these operations are properly contained within defined boundaries.

The architectural design of END-ACCEPT reflects the evolution of COBOL toward structured programming paradigms that emphasize clarity, maintainability, and error prevention. When used with conditional phrases like ON EXCEPTION and NOT ON EXCEPTION, END-ACCEPT creates a comprehensive framework for handling both successful input operations and error conditions that may arise during data acquisition.

END-ACCEPT also plays a crucial role in compiler optimization and code analysis. Modern COBOL compilers can perform more sophisticated analysis when input processing blocks are explicitly terminated, leading to better error detection during compilation and more efficient runtime code generation. This capability is particularly important in enterprise environments where performance and reliability are critical requirements.

Key END-ACCEPT Capabilities:

  • Explicit Scope Termination: Provides clear boundaries for ACCEPT statement blocks, eliminating ambiguity in nested input processing structures.
  • Conditional Processing Support: Works with ON EXCEPTION and NOT ON EXCEPTION phrases to create comprehensive error handling frameworks.
  • Nested Structure Management: Enables proper handling of complex nested input scenarios with multiple ACCEPT statements.
  • Error Handling Integration: Supports sophisticated error handling patterns by clearly defining the scope of exception processing.
  • Code Readability Enhancement: Improves code structure and readability by providing explicit termination points for input operations.
  • Compiler Optimization: Enables better compiler analysis and optimization by providing clear block boundaries.

Input Processing Patterns

END-ACCEPT enables the implementation of sophisticated input processing patterns that are essential for modern enterprise applications. These patterns include interactive data entry with real-time validation, batch input processing with comprehensive error handling, and complex multi-step input scenarios that require precise control over the input flow and error management.

The use of END-ACCEPT in conjunction with conditional phrases creates powerful input processing frameworks that can handle various error conditions, timeout scenarios, and validation failures while maintaining application stability and providing meaningful feedback to users. This capability is particularly valuable in applications that must process high volumes of user input or integrate with external data sources.

Modern enterprise applications often implement layered input processing architectures where END-ACCEPT statements work in conjunction with validation frameworks, data transformation services, and business rule engines to create comprehensive input processing solutions that meet the complex requirements of contemporary business systems.

END-ACCEPT Syntax and Implementation

Basic END-ACCEPT Usage

The basic implementation of END-ACCEPT follows a consistent pattern where it serves as the explicit terminator for ACCEPT statement blocks. This pattern is particularly important when ACCEPT statements include conditional processing or when they are nested within other constructs.

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IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. END-ACCEPT-BASIC.
 
DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01  USER-INPUT-FIELDS.
    05  EMPLOYEE-ID             PIC X(10).
    05  EMPLOYEE-NAME           PIC X(30).
    05  EMPLOYEE-SALARY         PIC 9(7)V99.
    05  DEPARTMENT-CODE         PIC X(5).
 
01  INPUT-STATUS-FLAGS.
    05  INPUT-SUCCESSFUL-FLAG   PIC X VALUE 'N'.
        88  INPUT-SUCCESSFUL    VALUE 'Y'.
        88  INPUT-FAILED        VALUE 'N'.
    05  VALIDATION-FLAG         PIC X VALUE 'N'.
        88  VALIDATION-PASSED   VALUE 'Y'.
        88  VALIDATION-FAILED   VALUE 'N'.
 
01  ERROR-HANDLING.
    05  ERROR-MESSAGE           PIC X(80).
    05  RETRY-COUNT             PIC 9(2) VALUE 0.
    05  MAX-RETRIES             PIC 9(2) VALUE 3.
 
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
MAIN-PROCESSING.
    PERFORM INITIALIZE-PROGRAM
    PERFORM COLLECT-EMPLOYEE-DATA
    PERFORM PROCESS-INPUT-RESULTS
    STOP RUN.
 
INITIALIZE-PROGRAM.
    DISPLAY 'Employee Data Entry System'
    MOVE 'N' TO INPUT-SUCCESSFUL-FLAG
    MOVE 'N' TO VALIDATION-FLAG
    MOVE SPACES TO ERROR-MESSAGE
    MOVE 0 TO RETRY-COUNT.
 
COLLECT-EMPLOYEE-DATA.
    PERFORM UNTIL INPUT-SUCCESSFUL OR RETRY-COUNT >= MAX-RETRIES
        PERFORM GET-EMPLOYEE-ID
        PERFORM GET-EMPLOYEE-NAME
        PERFORM GET-EMPLOYEE-SALARY
        PERFORM GET-DEPARTMENT-CODE
        PERFORM VALIDATE-INPUT-DATA
        IF VALIDATION-PASSED
            SET INPUT-SUCCESSFUL TO TRUE
        ELSE
            ADD 1 TO RETRY-COUNT
            DISPLAY 'Please correct the errors and try again'
        END-IF
    END-PERFORM.
 
GET-EMPLOYEE-ID.
    DISPLAY 'Enter Employee ID (10 characters): ' WITH NO ADVANCING
    ACCEPT EMPLOYEE-ID
    ON EXCEPTION
        MOVE 'Error accepting Employee ID' TO ERROR-MESSAGE
        DISPLAY ERROR-MESSAGE
        SET INPUT-FAILED TO TRUE
    NOT ON EXCEPTION
        DISPLAY 'Employee ID accepted: ' EMPLOYEE-ID
    END-ACCEPT.
 
GET-EMPLOYEE-NAME.
    DISPLAY 'Enter Employee Name (30 characters): ' WITH NO ADVANCING
    ACCEPT EMPLOYEE-NAME
    ON EXCEPTION
        MOVE 'Error accepting Employee Name' TO ERROR-MESSAGE
        DISPLAY ERROR-MESSAGE
        SET INPUT-FAILED TO TRUE
    NOT ON EXCEPTION
        DISPLAY 'Employee Name accepted: ' EMPLOYEE-NAME
    END-ACCEPT.
 
GET-EMPLOYEE-SALARY.
    DISPLAY 'Enter Employee Salary (numeric): ' WITH NO ADVANCING
    ACCEPT EMPLOYEE-SALARY
    ON EXCEPTION
        MOVE 'Error accepting Employee Salary' TO ERROR-MESSAGE
        DISPLAY ERROR-MESSAGE
        SET INPUT-FAILED TO TRUE
    NOT ON EXCEPTION
        DISPLAY 'Employee Salary accepted: ' EMPLOYEE-SALARY
    END-ACCEPT.
 
GET-DEPARTMENT-CODE.
    DISPLAY 'Enter Department Code (5 characters): ' WITH NO ADVANCING
    ACCEPT DEPARTMENT-CODE
    ON EXCEPTION
        MOVE 'Error accepting Department Code' TO ERROR-MESSAGE
        DISPLAY ERROR-MESSAGE
        SET INPUT-FAILED TO TRUE
    NOT ON EXCEPTION
        DISPLAY 'Department Code accepted: ' DEPARTMENT-CODE
    END-ACCEPT.
 
VALIDATE-INPUT-DATA.
    SET VALIDATION-PASSED TO TRUE
    
    IF EMPLOYEE-ID = SPACES
        DISPLAY 'Employee ID cannot be blank'
        SET VALIDATION-FAILED TO TRUE
    END-IF
    
    IF EMPLOYEE-NAME = SPACES
        DISPLAY 'Employee Name cannot be blank'
        SET VALIDATION-FAILED TO TRUE
    END-IF
    
    IF EMPLOYEE-SALARY = ZERO
        DISPLAY 'Employee Salary must be greater than zero'
        SET VALIDATION-FAILED TO TRUE
    END-IF
    
    IF DEPARTMENT-CODE = SPACES
        DISPLAY 'Department Code cannot be blank'
        SET VALIDATION-FAILED TO TRUE
    END-IF.
 
PROCESS-INPUT-RESULTS.
    IF INPUT-SUCCESSFUL
        DISPLAY 'Employee data collected successfully:'
        DISPLAY 'ID: ' EMPLOYEE-ID
        DISPLAY 'Name: ' EMPLOYEE-NAME
        DISPLAY 'Salary: ' EMPLOYEE-SALARY
        DISPLAY 'Department: ' DEPARTMENT-CODE
    ELSE
        DISPLAY 'Failed to collect employee data after ' 
                MAX-RETRIES ' attempts'
    END-IF.

Advanced END-ACCEPT Patterns

Advanced END-ACCEPT patterns involve complex nested structures, sophisticated error handling, and integration with other COBOL constructs to create comprehensive input processing solutions.

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IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. ADVANCED-END-ACCEPT.
 
DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01  COMPLEX-INPUT-PROCESSING.
    05  MENU-CHOICE             PIC X.
        88  VALID-CHOICE        VALUE '1' THRU '5'.
        88  EXIT-CHOICE         VALUE '5'.
    05  TRANSACTION-TYPE        PIC X(10).
    05  TRANSACTION-AMOUNT      PIC 9(9)V99.
    05  ACCOUNT-NUMBER          PIC X(15).
    05  CONFIRMATION-CODE       PIC X(10).
 
01  PROCESSING-CONTROLS.
    05  INPUT-PHASE             PIC X(20).
    05  CURRENT-STEP            PIC 9(2).
    05  TOTAL-STEPS             PIC 9(2) VALUE 5.
    05  STEP-COMPLETED-FLAG     PIC X VALUE 'N'.
        88  STEP-COMPLETED      VALUE 'Y'.
    05  PROCESS-COMPLETE-FLAG   PIC X VALUE 'N'.
        88  PROCESS-COMPLETE    VALUE 'Y'.
 
01  ERROR-MANAGEMENT.
    05  ERROR-OCCURRED-FLAG     PIC X VALUE 'N'.
        88  ERROR-OCCURRED      VALUE 'Y'.
    05  ERROR-TYPE              PIC X(20).
    05  ERROR-DESCRIPTION       PIC X(100).
    05  RECOVERY-ACTION         PIC X(50).
 
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
MAIN-PROCESSING.
    PERFORM INITIALIZE-SYSTEM
    PERFORM PROCESS-USER-INTERACTION
    PERFORM CLEANUP-SYSTEM
    STOP RUN.
 
INITIALIZE-SYSTEM.
    DISPLAY 'Advanced Transaction Processing System'
    MOVE 'N' TO STEP-COMPLETED-FLAG
    MOVE 'N' TO PROCESS-COMPLETE-FLAG
    MOVE 'N' TO ERROR-OCCURRED-FLAG
    MOVE 1 TO CURRENT-STEP.
 
PROCESS-USER-INTERACTION.
    PERFORM UNTIL PROCESS-COMPLETE OR ERROR-OCCURRED
        EVALUATE CURRENT-STEP
            WHEN 1
                PERFORM DISPLAY-MENU
                PERFORM GET-MENU-SELECTION
            WHEN 2
                PERFORM GET-TRANSACTION-TYPE
            WHEN 3
                PERFORM GET-TRANSACTION-DETAILS
            WHEN 4
                PERFORM GET-CONFIRMATION
            WHEN 5
                PERFORM PROCESS-TRANSACTION
                SET PROCESS-COMPLETE TO TRUE
            WHEN OTHER
                MOVE 'Invalid processing step' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
                SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
        END-EVALUATE
        
        IF NOT ERROR-OCCURRED AND NOT PROCESS-COMPLETE
            ADD 1 TO CURRENT-STEP
        END-IF
    END-PERFORM.
 
DISPLAY-MENU.
    DISPLAY 'Transaction Menu:'
    DISPLAY '1. Deposit'
    DISPLAY '2. Withdrawal'
    DISPLAY '3. Transfer'
    DISPLAY '4. Balance Inquiry'
    DISPLAY '5. Exit'
    DISPLAY 'Please select an option (1-5): ' WITH NO ADVANCING.
 
GET-MENU-SELECTION.
    ACCEPT MENU-CHOICE
    ON EXCEPTION
        MOVE 'INPUT-ERROR' TO ERROR-TYPE
        MOVE 'Unable to accept menu selection' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
        MOVE 'Please try again' TO RECOVERY-ACTION
        SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
        DISPLAY ERROR-DESCRIPTION
    NOT ON EXCEPTION
        IF VALID-CHOICE
            IF EXIT-CHOICE
                DISPLAY 'Exiting system...'
                SET PROCESS-COMPLETE TO TRUE
            ELSE
                DISPLAY 'Menu selection: ' MENU-CHOICE
                SET STEP-COMPLETED TO TRUE
            END-IF
        ELSE
            DISPLAY 'Invalid menu selection. Please choose 1-5.'
            MOVE 'VALIDATION-ERROR' TO ERROR-TYPE
            MOVE 'Invalid menu choice entered' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
            MOVE 'Please select a valid option' TO RECOVERY-ACTION
            SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
        END-IF
    END-ACCEPT.
 
GET-TRANSACTION-TYPE.
    EVALUATE MENU-CHOICE
        WHEN '1'
            MOVE 'DEPOSIT' TO TRANSACTION-TYPE
        WHEN '2'
            MOVE 'WITHDRAWAL' TO TRANSACTION-TYPE
        WHEN '3'
            MOVE 'TRANSFER' TO TRANSACTION-TYPE
        WHEN '4'
            MOVE 'INQUIRY' TO TRANSACTION-TYPE
        WHEN OTHER
            MOVE 'UNKNOWN' TO TRANSACTION-TYPE
    END-EVALUATE
    
    DISPLAY 'Transaction Type: ' TRANSACTION-TYPE
    SET STEP-COMPLETED TO TRUE.
 
GET-TRANSACTION-DETAILS.
    IF TRANSACTION-TYPE NOT = 'INQUIRY'
        DISPLAY 'Enter transaction amount: ' WITH NO ADVANCING
        ACCEPT TRANSACTION-AMOUNT
        ON EXCEPTION
            MOVE 'AMOUNT-INPUT-ERROR' TO ERROR-TYPE
            MOVE 'Unable to accept transaction amount' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
            MOVE 'Please enter a valid numeric amount' TO RECOVERY-ACTION
            SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
            DISPLAY ERROR-DESCRIPTION
        NOT ON EXCEPTION
            IF TRANSACTION-AMOUNT > ZERO
                DISPLAY 'Amount accepted: ' TRANSACTION-AMOUNT
            ELSE
                DISPLAY 'Amount must be greater than zero'
                MOVE 'VALIDATION-ERROR' TO ERROR-TYPE
                MOVE 'Invalid transaction amount' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
                MOVE 'Please enter amount greater than zero' TO RECOVERY-ACTION
                SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
            END-IF
        END-ACCEPT
    END-IF
    
    DISPLAY 'Enter account number: ' WITH NO ADVANCING
    ACCEPT ACCOUNT-NUMBER
    ON EXCEPTION
        MOVE 'ACCOUNT-INPUT-ERROR' TO ERROR-TYPE
        MOVE 'Unable to accept account number' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
        MOVE 'Please enter a valid account number' TO RECOVERY-ACTION
        SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
        DISPLAY ERROR-DESCRIPTION
    NOT ON EXCEPTION
        IF ACCOUNT-NUMBER NOT = SPACES
            DISPLAY 'Account number accepted: ' ACCOUNT-NUMBER
            SET STEP-COMPLETED TO TRUE
        ELSE
            DISPLAY 'Account number cannot be blank'
            MOVE 'VALIDATION-ERROR' TO ERROR-TYPE
            MOVE 'Account number is required' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
            MOVE 'Please enter a valid account number' TO RECOVERY-ACTION
            SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
        END-IF
    END-ACCEPT.
 
GET-CONFIRMATION.
    DISPLAY 'Enter confirmation code: ' WITH NO ADVANCING
    ACCEPT CONFIRMATION-CODE
    ON EXCEPTION
        MOVE 'CONFIRMATION-INPUT-ERROR' TO ERROR-TYPE
        MOVE 'Unable to accept confirmation code' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
        MOVE 'Please enter confirmation code' TO RECOVERY-ACTION
        SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
        DISPLAY ERROR-DESCRIPTION
    NOT ON EXCEPTION
        IF CONFIRMATION-CODE NOT = SPACES
            DISPLAY 'Confirmation code accepted'
            SET STEP-COMPLETED TO TRUE
        ELSE
            DISPLAY 'Confirmation code is required'
            MOVE 'VALIDATION-ERROR' TO ERROR-TYPE
            MOVE 'Confirmation code cannot be blank' TO ERROR-DESCRIPTION
            MOVE 'Please enter a valid confirmation code' TO RECOVERY-ACTION
            SET ERROR-OCCURRED TO TRUE
        END-IF
    END-ACCEPT.
 
PROCESS-TRANSACTION.
    DISPLAY 'Processing transaction...'
    DISPLAY 'Type: ' TRANSACTION-TYPE
    DISPLAY 'Amount: ' TRANSACTION-AMOUNT
    DISPLAY 'Account: ' ACCOUNT-NUMBER
    DISPLAY 'Confirmation: ' CONFIRMATION-CODE
    DISPLAY 'Transaction completed successfully'.
 
CLEANUP-SYSTEM.
    IF ERROR-OCCURRED
        DISPLAY 'System encountered errors:'
        DISPLAY 'Error Type: ' ERROR-TYPE
        DISPLAY 'Description: ' ERROR-DESCRIPTION
        DISPLAY 'Recovery Action: ' RECOVERY-ACTION
    ELSE
        DISPLAY 'System shutdown normally'
    END-IF.

END-ACCEPT Best Practices

Recommended Practices
  • ✓
    Always use END-ACCEPT with conditional phrases
  • ✓
    Implement comprehensive error handling
  • ✓
    Use consistent indentation with END-ACCEPT
  • ✓
    Validate input data after ACCEPT operations
Common Mistakes
  • ✗
    Omitting END-ACCEPT in nested structures
  • ✗
    Not handling ON EXCEPTION conditions
  • ✗
    Poor error message handling
  • ✗
    Inconsistent use of END-ACCEPT

Interactive Tutorial

Hands-On END-ACCEPT Practice
Practice implementing END-ACCEPT in various input processing scenarios

Exercise 1: Basic Input with Error Handling

Complete the following code with proper END-ACCEPT statements:

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DISPLAY 'Enter customer name: ' WITH NO ADVANCING
ACCEPT CUSTOMER-NAME
ON EXCEPTION
    DISPLAY 'Error accepting customer name'
    MOVE 'Y' TO ERROR-FLAG
NOT ON EXCEPTION
    DISPLAY 'Customer name accepted: ' CUSTOMER-NAME
*> Add END-ACCEPT here
 
DISPLAY 'Enter customer age: ' WITH NO ADVANCING
ACCEPT CUSTOMER-AGE
ON EXCEPTION
    DISPLAY 'Error accepting customer age'
    MOVE 'Y' TO ERROR-FLAG
NOT ON EXCEPTION
    IF CUSTOMER-AGE > 0 AND CUSTOMER-AGE < 150
        DISPLAY 'Valid age entered: ' CUSTOMER-AGE
    ELSE
        DISPLAY 'Invalid age range'
        MOVE 'Y' TO ERROR-FLAG
    END-IF
*> Add END-ACCEPT here

Exercise 2: Nested Input Processing

Add appropriate END-ACCEPT statements to this nested structure:

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PERFORM UNTIL VALID-INPUT OR RETRY-COUNT > MAX-RETRIES
    DISPLAY 'Enter product code: ' WITH NO ADVANCING
    ACCEPT PRODUCT-CODE
    ON EXCEPTION
        DISPLAY 'Input error occurred'
        ADD 1 TO RETRY-COUNT
    NOT ON EXCEPTION
        IF PRODUCT-CODE NOT = SPACES
            PERFORM VALIDATE-PRODUCT-CODE
            IF VALID-PRODUCT
                MOVE 'Y' TO VALID-INPUT
            ELSE
                DISPLAY 'Invalid product code'
                ADD 1 TO RETRY-COUNT
            END-IF
        ELSE
            DISPLAY 'Product code cannot be blank'
            ADD 1 TO RETRY-COUNT
        END-IF
    *> Add END-ACCEPT here
END-PERFORM

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