Message format and return codes

This guide lists the compiler messages generated by the IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS compiler in numerical order. These messages are also listed in numerical order in the output following the source program and in any other listings produced by the compiler.

The format of a message generated during compilation is as follows:
nnnnnn  IGYPPmmmm-Z  message-text   
where:
  • nnnnnn is the number of the source line to which the message refers.
  • IGYPPmmmm-z is the message header:
    • IGY is the IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS product code.
    • PP identifies the phase that issued the message. For details, see Compiler phase identifiers.
    • mmmm is the message number.
    • Z indicates the compiler message severity level or FIPS message category.
      Compiler messages can have 1 of 5 levels of severity:
      I (informational - return code 0)
      An informational-level message (RC=0) is an aid to the user. No action is required from the user and the program will execute correctly as it stands.
      W (warning - return code 4)
      A warning-level message (RC=4) calls attention to a possible error. It is probable that the program will execute correctly as written.
      E (error - return code 8)
      An error-level message (RC=8) indicates a condition that is definitely an error. The compiler has attempted to correct the error but the results of program execution may not be what the user expects. The user should correct the error.
      S (severe - return code 12)
      A severe-level message (RC=12) indicates a condition that is a serious error. The compiler was unable to correct the error. The program will not execute correctly, and execution should not be attempted.
      U (unrecoverable - return code 16)
      An unrecoverable-level message (RC=16) indicates an error condition of such magnitude that the compilation was terminated.
Notes:
  • Some messages numbered 0000-3999 and any messages numbered 8000-8999 may be suppressed by using a MSGEXIT user exit. If a message is suppressed, this listing will show the severity as XX:
    XX (suppressed - return code of original message)
    Informational and warning messages may be suppressed.
    For details, see Processing of MSGEXIT in the Enterprise COBOL Programming Guide.
  • Messages numbered 5000-5999 are for compiler maintenance and are not translated for national language support.
  • Messages numbered 8000-8999 are FIPS messages. These messages can have 1 of 8 categories:
    I
    ANS intermediate level, not in minimum level.
    H
    ANS high level, not in intermediate level.
    D
    ANS debug module level 1.
    N
    ANS segmentation module level 1.
    S
    ANS segmentation module level 2.
    E
    Nonstandard extension.
    O
    Obsolete language element.
    Q
    ANS high level and obsolete language element.

The FLAG compiler option suppresses the listing of messages in the compiler listing. For details, see FLAG in the Enterprise COBOL Programming Guide.