MainframeMaster

COBOL Tutorial

COBOL RETURN and END-RETURN - Quick Reference

Progress0 of 0 lessons

Overview

The RETURN and END-RETURN statements are used in COBOL to retrieve the next record from a sort/merge file or report writer queue. They are essential for processing sorted or merged data and for report generation.

Purpose and Usage

  • Sort/Merge Input - Retrieve next record from a sort/merge operation
  • Report Writer - Retrieve next report group for printing
  • AT END Handling - Detect end-of-file conditions
  • Block Syntax - Use END-RETURN to close RETURN blocks

Syntax

cobol
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
* Basic RETURN syntax
RETURN file-name AT END ...
    [statements]
END-RETURN
 
* Example with SORT
SORT SORT-FILE ON ASCENDING KEY ...
    INPUT PROCEDURE IS INPUT-ROUTINE
    OUTPUT PROCEDURE IS OUTPUT-ROUTINE.
 
INPUT-ROUTINE.
    RETURN INPUT-FILE AT END MOVE 'Y' TO EOF-FLAG.
 
OUTPUT-ROUTINE.
    RETURN SORT-FILE AT END MOVE 'Y' TO EOF-FLAG.
 
* Example with report writer
RETURN REPORT-FILE AT END MOVE 'Y' TO END-OF-REPORT.

RETURN is used to retrieve the next record from a sort/merge or report file. Use AT END to handle end-of-file.

Test Your Knowledge

1. What is the primary use of the RETURN statement in COBOL?

  • To return from a subprogram
  • To retrieve the next record from a SORT or input procedure
  • To end a program
  • To return a value from a function

2. Where is the RETURN statement most commonly used?

  • In the PROCEDURE DIVISION
  • In the FILE SECTION
  • In the WORKING-STORAGE SECTION
  • In the ENVIRONMENT DIVISION

3. What does END-RETURN do in COBOL?

  • Ends the RETURN statement block
  • Ends the program
  • Returns a value
  • None of the above

4. Which clause is often used with RETURN for error handling?

  • ON EXCEPTION
  • INVALID KEY
  • AT END
  • NOT AT END

5. Which of the following is a valid RETURN usage?

  • RETURN input-file AT END ...
  • RETURN sort-file AT END ...
  • RETURN report-file AT END ...
  • All of the above

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Concepts

SORT Statement

How to use SORT in COBOL.

MERGE Statement

How to use MERGE in COBOL.

READ Statement

How to use READ for file input.

Report Writer

COBOL report writer concepts.

AT END Clause

How to handle end-of-file.

RESET ClauseRETURNING