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Initializing the variable having value clause


IBM Mainframe Forums -> COBOL Programming
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lalitha.rayala5

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Joined: 25 Aug 2010
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:07 pm
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Some var X is initialized in WS sec as below.

01 X pic x(03) "ABC".

What happens if we initialize the variable X in procedure division?
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Robert Sample

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:14 pm
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Did you read the manual?

Did you try it to see what happened?
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prahalad

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:42 pm
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If you initialize the variable X in procedure division the value of X will be "ABC".
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lalitha.rayala5

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:44 pm
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Ok Thank you. Actually I dont have mainframe access to check it.
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acevedo

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:14 pm
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mmmm

when I run this program:
Code:

...
working-storage section.
   01 X pic x(03) VALUE "ABC".           
...

procedure division.                                   
    DISPLAY 'VALUE OF X before INITIALIZE is: <' X '>'   
    INITIALIZE X                                         
    DISPLAY 'VALUE OF X after  INITIALIZE is: <' X '>'   
    GOBACK.


this is what I get:
Code:
VALUE OF X before INITIALIZE is: <ABC>
VALUE OF X after  INITIALIZE is: <   >
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Bill O'Boyle

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:17 pm
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It's always better to specify a VALUE clause as opposed to initializing the variable during execution. but this may not be applicable for sub-programs unless the INITIAL keyword is included, associated with the program-name.

The compiler will ensure the VALUE is in effect during program prologue.

Bill
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dbzTHEdinosauer

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:18 pm
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WTF?
why are we continually bombarded with these idiot questions and responses?
this belongs in the rookie forum.

1. 01 X pic x(03) "ABC". will not compile. it is missing a keyword 'VALUE'.
2. the COBOL instruction INITIALIZE does not take into consideration any VALUE clause.

3. You don't need a mainframe to check this. You need to read the manual!
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Bill O'Boyle

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:23 pm
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Dick brought to our attention
Quote:
1. 01 X pic x(03) "ABC". will not compile. it is missing a keyword 'VALUE'.

Oops, missed that one by a mile.... icon_redface.gif

Bill
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acevedo

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:40 pm
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yeap, the question is so 'basic'... but what really surprised me was the (2nd) answer.
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dick scherrer

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Joined: 23 Nov 2006
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:42 pm
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Hello,

Quote:
but what really surprised me was the (2nd) answer.
Which is why it is good to be quite familiar/comfortable with the manual icon_smile.gif
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Phrzby Phil

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Joined: 31 Oct 2006
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 11:57 pm
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Why is someone sans mainframe even posting here?
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dick scherrer

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PostPosted: Sat Sep 18, 2010 12:05 am
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Hi Phil,

Quote:
Why is someone sans mainframe even posting here?
Often, because they are between jobs or between training and a job.
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mmwife

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Joined: 30 May 2003
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 18, 2010 4:30 am
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In this case it probably doesn't make sense, but you can INITIALIZE X to 'ABC' using the REPLACING phrase.
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