ILE COBOL Language Reference

KEY Phrase

When the KEY phrase is specified, the file position indicator is positioned at the logical record in the file whose key field satisfies the comparison.

When the KEY phrase is not specified, KEY IS EQUAL (to the prime record key) is implied.

data-name-1

Can be qualified or reference modified, but it cannot be subscripted.

+-------------------------------IBM Extension--------------------------------+

Data-name-1 can be an internal or external floating-point, DBCS, or date-time data item.

Multiple data-names can be specified. All data-names, following the initial data-name, are syntax checked only.

+----------------------------End of IBM Extension----------------------------+

When the START statement is executed, a comparison is made between the current value in the key data-name and the corresponding key field in the file's index.

If the FILE STATUS clause is specified in the FILE-CONTROL entry, the associated status key is updated when the START statement is executed. (See Status Key.)


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