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COBOL Tutorial

COBOL SEGMENT-LIMIT Clause - Quick Reference

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Overview

The SEGMENT-LIMIT clause is used to control program segmentation in COBOL. It specifies the maximum number of segments that a program can use, affecting memory management and program loading.

Purpose and Usage

  • Memory management - Control program memory usage
  • Program segmentation - Manage program segments
  • Resource optimization - Optimize memory resources
  • Large program support - Handle large programs efficiently
  • Performance control - Control program performance

Syntax

The SEGMENT-LIMIT clause is used in the CONFIGURATION SECTION.

Basic Syntax

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* Basic SEGMENT-LIMIT syntax
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
CONFIGURATION SECTION.
SPECIAL-NAMES.
    SEGMENT-LIMIT IS segment-number.
 
* Complete example
IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. SEGMENT-EXAMPLE.
 
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
CONFIGURATION SECTION.
SPECIAL-NAMES.
    SEGMENT-LIMIT IS 5.
 
DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01  PROGRAM-DATA.
    05  DATA-ITEM-1    PIC X(100).
    05  DATA-ITEM-2    PIC 9(10).
 
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
MAIN-LOGIC.
    DISPLAY "Program with segment limit"
    STOP RUN.

SEGMENT-LIMIT controls program memory segmentation.

Practical Examples

Examples of using the SEGMENT-LIMIT clause in different scenarios.

Large Program Configuration

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* Large program with SEGMENT-LIMIT
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
CONFIGURATION SECTION.
SPECIAL-NAMES.
    SEGMENT-LIMIT IS 10.
 
* This allows the program to use up to 10 segments
* Useful for large programs with many procedures

SEGMENT-LIMIT enables efficient handling of large programs.

Best Practices

Understanding best practices ensures effective use of the SEGMENT-LIMIT clause.

Best Practices

  • Assess program size - Determine appropriate segment limits
  • Consider memory constraints - Account for available memory
  • Test performance - Verify segment limit effectiveness
  • Monitor usage - Track memory usage patterns
  • Optimize when needed - Adjust limits based on performance

Test Your Knowledge

1. What is the primary purpose of the SEGMENT-LIMIT clause in COBOL?

  • To limit file access
  • To control program segmentation and memory usage
  • To limit data size
  • To control program execution

2. In which COBOL division is the SEGMENT-LIMIT clause typically used?

  • IDENTIFICATION DIVISION
  • ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
  • DATA DIVISION
  • PROCEDURE DIVISION

3. What does SEGMENT-LIMIT control?

  • File access limits
  • Program memory segmentation
  • Data validation limits
  • Execution time limits

4. Can SEGMENT-LIMIT be used with all COBOL programs?

  • Yes, with all programs
  • No, only with large programs
  • Only with specific COBOL versions
  • Only with mainframe programs

5. What is the relationship between SEGMENT-LIMIT and program performance?

  • No relationship
  • SEGMENT-LIMIT affects memory usage and performance
  • SEGMENT-LIMIT only affects compilation
  • SEGMENT-LIMIT only affects debugging

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Concepts

Memory Management

Memory management techniques in COBOL.

Program Structure

COBOL program structure and organization.

Performance Optimization

Performance optimization in COBOL.

SECURE ClauseSELECT Statement