Rational Developer for System z
COBOL for Windows, Version 7.5, Programming Guide


Sharing files between programs (external files)

To enable separately compiled programs or methods in a run unit to access a file as a common file, use the EXTERNAL clause for the file.

It is recommended that you follow these guidelines:

Using an external file has these benefits:

Example: using external files

related tasks
Using data in input and output operations

related references
EXTERNAL clause (COBOL for Windows Language Reference)


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