Reference format
COBOL source text must be written in COBOL reference format.
Reference format consists of the following areas in a 72-character line.
- Sequence number area
- Columns 1 through 6
- Indicator area
- Column 7
- Area A
- Columns 8 through 11
- Area B
- Columns 12 through 72
This figure illustrates reference format for a COBOL source line.