Fujitsu COBOL Manual

The Fujitsu COBOL programming language is a robust, enterprise-level business-oriented programming language designed for mission-critical applications. This manual covers the complete Fujitsu COBOL implementation including syntax, data types, file handling, database connectivity, and advanced features for modern business applications. Below are key sections for getting started, language fundamentals, advanced features, and troubleshooting.

Introduction to COBOL

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) is designed for business data processing with strong file handling capabilities and decimal arithmetic support.

Feature	Description
Division Structure	IDENTIFICATION, ENVIRONMENT, DATA, PROCEDURE divisions
File Handling	Sequential, indexed, and relative file organization
Data Types	Alphanumeric, numeric, edited numeric, group items
Arithmetic Operations	ADD, SUBTRACT, MULTIPLY, DIVIDE, COMPUTE
Conditional Statements	IF, EVALUATE, PERFORM UNTIL
Database Support	SQL integration and database connectivity
Object-Oriented	Object-oriented COBOL features
Web Services	XML parsing and web service integration
Report Writing	Built-in report generator capabilities
Debugging Tools	Integrated debugging and testing facilities

Installation and Setup

Install Fujitsu COBOL compiler and development environment.

1. System Requirements: Verify hardware and software requirements.
2. Install Compiler: Run installer with administrative privileges.
3. Configure Environment: Set COBCPY, COBOPT environment variables.
4. Verify Installation: Compile and run sample program.
5. IDE Setup: Configure development environment preferences.

WARNING! Ensure sufficient disk space and memory for installation. Backup existing COBOL programs before upgrade.

Basic Syntax and Structure

COBOL programs follow a structured format with four main divisions.

1. IDENTIFICATION DIVISION: Program identification and documentation.
2. ENVIRONMENT DIVISION: Configuration and file specifications.
3. DATA DIVISION: Variable declarations and file descriptions.
4. PROCEDURE DIVISION: Program logic and executable statements.

Example:

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
PROGRAM-ID. HELLO-WORLD.
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
DATA DIVISION.
WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01 WS-MESSAGE PIC X(20) VALUE 'HELLO, COBOL WORLD!'.
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
DISPLAY WS-MESSAGE.
STOP RUN.

Data Types and Variables

• Alphanumeric: PIC X(n) for character strings
• Numeric: PIC 9(n) for integers, PIC 9(n)V9(m) for decimals
• Edited Numeric: PIC ZZZ,ZZ9.99 for formatted display
• Group Items: Hierarchical data structures
• Tables/Arrays: OCCURS clause for array definitions
• Pointers: USAGE POINTER for memory addresses
• Boolean: PIC 1 for true/false values
• Date/Time: Special date handling functions

File Handling

COBOL provides comprehensive file processing capabilities for business applications.

File Organizations: Sequential, Indexed, Relative

File Operations: OPEN, READ, WRITE, REWRITE, CLOSE, DELETE

Key Features: File status checking, dynamic file allocation, shared file access, record locking for multi-user environments.

Database Connectivity

Integration with relational databases using embedded SQL and database interfaces.

1. SQL Integration: EXEC SQL statements for database operations.
2. Database Drivers: Configure ODBC/JDBC connections.
3. Transaction Management: COMMIT, ROLLBACK operations.
4. Stored Procedures: Call database stored procedures from COBOL.

Tip: Use database connection pooling for better performance in web applications.

Advanced Programming Features

Modern COBOL includes object-oriented programming and web service capabilities.

1. Object-Oriented COBOL: Classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism.
2. Web Services: SOAP and REST service integration.
3. XML Processing: XML parsing and generation.
4. GUI Applications: Windows forms and user interfaces.
5. Multi-threading: Parallel processing capabilities.
6. Legacy Integration: Interface with existing mainframe systems.
7. Security Features: Encryption and secure data handling.
8. Internationalization: Multi-language and Unicode support.

WARNING! Test object-oriented features thoroughly as they may interact differently with legacy code.

Debugging and Testing

Comprehensive debugging tools and testing methodologies for COBOL applications.

Performance Optimization

Techniques for optimizing COBOL program performance and resource utilization.

CAUTION! Profile applications before optimization to identify actual bottlenecks.

System Requirements

Fujitsu COBOL compiler system requirements and compatibility information.

• Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux, UNIX variants
• Memory: Minimum 2GB RAM, 4GB recommended
• Disk Space: 500MB for compiler, additional for development tools
• Processor: x86-64 compatible processor
• Database Support: Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, MySQL
• Network: TCP/IP for distributed applications
• Development Tools: Eclipse integration available

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Compilation errors	Syntax errors or missing files	Check syntax; verify copybook locations; review compiler messages.
Runtime abend	Data exceptions or file issues	Check data validation; verify file status codes; review program logic.
Performance issues	Inefficient algorithms or I/O	Optimize file access; use appropriate data structures; profile code.
Database connection fails	Configuration or network issues	Verify connection strings; check database availability; test network connectivity.
Memory leaks	Unreleased resources	Ensure proper file closure; check dynamic memory allocation; use memory profiling tools.

Support: Contact Fujitsu support at [email protected] or visit www.fujitsu.com/global/services/software