Reference Format

COBOL programs must be written in the COBOL reference format. Figure 1 shows the reference format for a COBOL 80-character source line.

Figure 1. Reference Format for COBOL Source Line
This figure shows the Reference Format for a COBOL Source Line
An 80-character COBOL source line is divided into the following reference format areas:
Sequence Number Area
Columns 1 through 6
Indicator Area
Column 7
Area A
Columns 8 through 11
Area B
Columns 12 through 72
Comment Area
Columns 73 through 80