Mule copy book

2.  COBOL stands for Common Business Oriented Language. The US
Department of Defense, in a conference, formed CODASYL (Conference
on Data Systems Language) to develop a language for business data
processing needs which is now known as COBOL.
 COBOL is used for writing application programs and we cannot use it to
write system software. The applications like those in defense domain,
insurance domain, etc. which require huge data processing make
extensive use of COBOL.

3.  COBOL was the first widely used high-level programming language. It is
an English-like language which is user friendly. All the instructions can be
coded in simple English words.
 COBOL is also used as a self-documenting language.
 COBOL can handle huge data processing.
 COBOL is compatible with its previous versions.
 COBOL has effective error messages and so, resolution of bugs is easier.

4. Positions Field Description
1-6 Column Numbers Reserved for line
numbers.
7 Indicator Indicating comments, can have
either (*, -, /),
8-11 Area A All COBOL divisions, sections,
paragraphs and some special entries
must begin in Area A.
12-72 Area B All COBOL statements must
begin in area B.
73-80 Identification Area It can be used as needed by the
programmer.

5. Level Number Description
01 Record description entry
02 to 49 Group and Elementary items
66 Rename Clause items
77 Items which cannot be sub-
divided
88 Condition name entry

6. Symbol Description
9 Numeric
A Alphabetic
X Alphanumeric
V Implicit Decimal
S Sign
P Assumed Decimal

7. 01 BOOK-RECORD.
03 BOOK-KEY.
05 BOOK-ISBN PIC X(10).
03 BOOK-TITLE PIC X(32).
03 BOOK-AUTHOR PIC X(32).
03 BOOK-CATEGORY PIC X(10).
03 BOOK-STOCK PIC X(5).