Download Instructions
There are two versions of the COBOL files on the server, one with a HTML
extension and one with a CBL extension. You can download both and both
require a little work before you run.
.HTML
When I save COBOL files on the server with a .html extension, I make changes
that need to be reversed. I do this to make the file more readable as a
COBOL file, i.e. correct indenting and so forth.
- First, I put in the instruction < followd by PRE followed by >
as the first line in the program and the instruction < followed by /
followed by PRE followed by > as the last line in the program. These
instructions need to be deleted.
- Second, I save it with a .html extension. This needs to be changed
to a .cbl extension.
You can make the changes within the COBOL editor or within notepad but I
find that it works much better if you make the changes in notepad.
Once the < PRE > and < / PRE > have been removed, the file needs to be
saved with the .cbl extension. If you make the changes in notepad, then
you simply move to MicroFocus COBOL, open the file for edit and proceed.
If you made the changes within the COBOL editor, you will see some
additional characters added to indicate end of line etc. Simply close the
file and reopen it for edit before attempting to compile. Hopefully that
works, but...
Hopefully, the program is now ready to be compiled and executed within
MicroFocus COBOL.
Note: When I save a program on the Internet, I will try to save it with a x
as the first character in the name when I am using the .html extension.
This will help to distinguish programs from notes.
One additional warning, before attempting to run a program, check the select
and make sure that it is the correct path to the place where you have
stored the program. Frequently the path you see will be the path I used
on my hard drive. If you are running off the A drive, the path should have
A: and the name of the file (and directories if you use them). If you are
running of the C drive, the path should havve C: and the directory path
followed by the file name.
.CBL
To save this file simply right click and use the save link as option
to save the file to disk. The problem here is when you bring up the file
in the COBOL editor you will see a symbol at the end of each line. If you
change a line you need to remove the symbol on the line you made changes to.
It appears to have no impact on the other lines. You can then compile and
execute the program.
.DAT
The files that you will use are also on the Internet with the .dat extension.
These files can be simply saved and used. To save them right click and use
the save link as option to save the file to disk. Students have found that the
files download better in Netscape then Explorer. If you have problem with the files,
send me an email and I will send them to you as an attachment. All files needed for
assignments will also be available in K-104 so they can be copied!
Overwhelmed?!?!?!
Send me an email and I will send you a copy of the program as an attachment.
If you are still overwhelmed, we can set up some lab time in the labs and I
can walk you through some of this.
GOOD LUCK!!!