Specifying compiler options in the PROCESS (CBL) statement

Within a COBOL program, you can code most compiler options in PROCESS (CBL) statements. Code the statements before the IDENTIFICATION DIVISION header and before any comment lines or compiler-directing statements.

PROCESS(CBL) statement syntax

Read syntax diagramSkip visual syntax diagram PROCESSCBL options-list

If you do not use a sequence field, you can start a PROCESS statement in column 1 or after. If you use a sequence field, the sequence number must start in column 1 and must contain six characters; the first character must be numeric. If used with a sequence field, PROCESS can start in column 8 or after.

You can use CBL as a synonym for PROCESS. CBL can likewise start in column 1 or after if you do not use a sequence field. If used with a sequence field, CBL can start in column 8 or after.

You must end PROCESS and CBL statements at or before column 72.

Use one or more blanks to separate a PROCESS or CBL statement from the first option in options-list. Separate options with a comma or a blank. Do not insert spaces between individual options and their suboptions.

You can code more than one PROCESS or CBL statement. If you do so, the statements must follow one another with no intervening statements. You cannot continue options across multiple PROCESS or CBL statements.

Your programming organization can inhibit the use of PROCESS (CBL) statements by using the default options module of the COBOL compiler. If PROCESS or CBL statements that are not allowed by the organization are found in a COBOL program, the COBOL compiler generates error diagnostics.

related references  
Reference format (Enterprise COBOL for z/OS® Language Reference)  
CBL (PROCESS) statement (Enterprise COBOL for z/OS Language Reference)