After completing this course, the student should be able to:
 

	Describe the hierarchy of data found in VS COBOL II programs and identify the rules for coding record descriptions
	Explain the purpose and format of a PICTURE clause
	Code the sample program's record descriptions for the input and output files
	Describe the entries coded in the Working-Storage Section and the way to establish their initial values
	Code the Working-Storage Section for the sample program

Overview
Reviews some of the information presented in VS COBOL II: Basics.  Recaps the

structural components that make up all COBOL programs.  Re-examines the problem analysis and program design for the sample program.
 

Program Structure

Divisions and subdivisions of COBOL programs.  Functions of each division.
 

Course Example

Three preliminary steps to complete before coding.  Problem analysis and program design for the sample COBOL program.

Data Hierarchy
Covers the concepts and coding rules that apply to the hierarchical structure used to define records in the Data Division of VS COBOL II programs.  Begins coding the sample program's record descriptions.
 

Concepts

Purpose of record descriptions.  Function and use of an 01 level entry. Elementary and group items.
 

Coding Rules

Rules to code level 01 and levels 02 - 49 items.  How to qualify a field name.
 

Coding Practice

Coding the level numbers and data names for the input file's record description.

Data Storage
Describes the rules for coding PICTURE clauses on the elementary data items found in the File Section of VS COBOL II programs.  Completes the sample program's record descriptions.
 

Coding Rules

Purpose of the PICTURE clause.  Characteristics of alphabetic, numeric and alphanumeric storage types.
 

Coding Practice

Coding the remainder of the input file's record description.  Coding the output file's record description.

Working-Storage Section
Identifies the coding rules that pertain to the entries found in the Working-Storage Section.  Explains how to set initial values for these entries via the VALUE clause.  Gives practice coding the sample program's Working-Storage Section.
 

Coding Rules

Purpose of the Working-Storage Section.  How to code the Working-Storage entries.
 

Initial Values

Purpose and format of the VALUE clause.  Use of VALUE clauses on elementary and group items.  How data is stored based on the data type of the area.
 

Coding Practice

Coding the Working-Storage entries for the sample program.