An integrated translator eliminates the separate
translation step for COBOL programs that contain CICS statements.
With the integrated translator, the COBOL compiler handles both native
COBOL and embedded CICS statements in the source program. When CICS statements
are encountered, the compiler interfaces with the integrated CICS translator.
The integrated CICS translator takes appropriate actions and then returns
to the compiler indicating what native language statements to generate.
Although
the separate CICS translator is still supported in Enterprise COBOL, use of
the integrated CICS translator is recommended. The integrated CICS translator
improves usability and offers the highest level of functionality. The benefits
of using the integrated CICS translator include:
- Enhancements in interactive debugging of COBOL applications with Debug
Tool. The application can be debugged at the original source level, instead
of at the level of the expanded source produced by the CICS translator.
- EXEC
CICS or EXEC DLI statements can reside in copybooks, eliminating the need
to translate them with an external translator before compilation.
- There is no longer a need for an intermediate data set to hold the translated
version (before the program has been compiled) of the source program.
- There is only one output listing instead of two.
- Using nested programs that contain EXEC CICS statements is simplified.
DFHCOMMAREA and DFHEIBLK are generated in the outermost program with the GLOBAL
attribute specified on the PROCEDURE DIVISION USING of nested programs.
- Nested programs that contain EXEC CICS statements can be held in separate
files and included through a COPY statement.
- REPLACE
statements can now affect EXEC CICS statements.
- Binary
fields in CICS control blocks are generated with USAGE COMP-5 instead of BINARY.
Thus, there is no longer a dependency on the setting of the TRUNC compiler
option. Any setting of the TRUNC option can be used with CICS applications
that use the integrated translator, subject only to the requirements of the
user-written logic within the application.