Rational Developer for System z

Unreachable code

Highlight lines of code in COBOL files in local projects which are unreachable during execution.

The identify unreachable code feature identifies potential dead code based on internal algorithms. Because the calculations do not use the COBOL compiler, the results may not be 100% true. Before deleting any code additional verification must be performed.

If you are using the COBOL editor, highlighting can be customize by the Annotation preference for warnings.

Restrictions and considerations

There are several restrictions when using this feature:
  • Copybooks associated with the open file are not included in the program analysis. The analysis works within the boundary of the file.
  • Quick fix is not available.
  • Not available for programs containing the following statements:
    • EXEC CICS® HANDLE
    • EXEC CICS IGNORE
    • EXEC CICS PUSH
    • EXEC CICS POP
    • EXEC SQL WHENEVER
  • CALL statements that do not return to the calling program can result in results that are not correct. Statements after a CALL statement are not marked as unreachable.
  • Unreachable code is reported on a per line basis. If a line contains code that is reachable and unreachable code, the reported results might be incorrect. Use the COBOL formatting tool to enforce the one verb per line rule to prevent reachable and unreachable code within the same line.

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