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An architecture note on using COBOL SORT with INPUT/OUTPUT procedures to validate, filter, and aggregate a large sequential file under memory constraints, covering design boundaries, operational checks, failure modes, and when to change the approach.
Learn how the COBOL REDEFINES clause overlays multiple data layouts on one memory block to handle mixed-format records efficiently, with a worked example and risk checklist.
Learn how to implement FILE-STATUS checking in COBOL to prevent runtime crashes and handle End-of-File (EOF) and missing file errors gracefully.
Learn how to use COBOL’s UNSTRING safely—control pointers, capture token lengths, guard against overflow, and avoid CSV pitfalls.
An architecture note on designing Rexx automation scripts around its string-everything typing and flexible variable scoping — where the model fits, the smallest safe structure, and the failure modes that should change your design.
Learn how COBOL’s XML PARSE statement converts well‑formed XML into native data items, reducing external dependencies while understanding its performance trade‑offs.
Rexx's PARSE extracts structured data using literal delimiters, positional patterns, and variable placeholders — no regex. One statement handles logs, fixed-width records, arguments, and stems. Trade-offs: no alternation, whitespace-sensitive templates.
Learn how COBOL's EVALUATE statement replaces nested IFs with a clear, range‑capable multi‑way branch, illustrated by a status‑code‑to‑benefit example.
A diagnostic guide for resolving Syntax Errors and Undefined Variable issues in Rexx, featuring a diagnostic matrix, tracing techniques, and initialization fixes.
cobol
rexx