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Altering COBOL Load Module Signature Bytes


IBM Mainframe Forums -> COBOL Programming
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Bill O'Boyle

CICS Moderator


Joined: 14 Jan 2008
Posts: 2501
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:06 pm
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I have a customer, who (up until recently) always compiled their COBOL programs (both Batch and CICS) using the DATA(24) option, because "They always did it this way" icon_sad.gif

Now, they're asking me to alter the load-module signature-byte, which is byte-01, bit-03, to a value of B'1', which represents DATA(31). So basically, this byte would be changed from B'01000000' to B'0110000'.

I have advised them that a zap like this could open a can of worms as well as affect 24-Bit Assembler sub-program addressability (they have several dozen). I've advised them that (as the very least) the Assembler sub-programs need to be relinked as AMODE 31 / RMODE ANY.

Has anyone ever done this load-module alteration before, with success?

I've told them to recompile/link their COBOL programs, specifying the DATA(31) compile option (I believe that's the default) and that will be that.

All feedback is welcome.

Thanks,

Bill
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Robert Sample

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Joined: 06 Jun 2008
Posts: 8696
Location: Dubuque, Iowa, USA

PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:14 pm
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I've never done such a modification and I suspect it won't work anyway -- COBOL does other things during the compile process that can be affected by the DATA option (generation of address fields for calls to internal programs is just the first thing that comes to mind). They need to bite the bullet and recompile using DATA(31) to resolve everything correctly. If not, I'd recommend at least a couple of months of testing to see what shows up before trusting any such code to production.
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dick scherrer

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Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 19244
Location: Inside the Matrix

PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 10:17 pm
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As Wednesday Addams said:

"Be afraid. Be very afraid". . .

d
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MBabu

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Joined: 03 Aug 2008
Posts: 400
Location: Mumbai

PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:14 am
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I think that is a little like expecting to get a fast car by putting a Ferreri bumper sticker on your Yugo. Doesn't make any sense.
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Robert Sample

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Joined: 06 Jun 2008
Posts: 8696
Location: Dubuque, Iowa, USA

PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:38 am
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But Mbabu, the Michelin high-performance tires give the Yugo such a sporty look! icon_biggrin.gif
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mmwife

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Joined: 30 May 2003
Posts: 1592

PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 9:09 am
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Hi Bill,

You might want to compile a module w/DATA24 and again w/DATA31, then compare the object code, loads, and/or their NOOFF,LISTs.
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