Calling alternate entry points

Static calls to alternate entry points work without restriction.

Dynamic calls to alternate entry points require the following elements:

  • Either explicitly specified NAME or ALIAS binder (linkage-editor) control statements, or use of the NAME compiler option which generates them automatically.
  • An intervening CANCEL for any dynamic call to the same module at a different entry point. CANCEL causes the program to be invoked in initial state when it is called at a new entry point.

You can specify another entry point at which a program will begin running by using the ENTRY label in the called program. However, this method is not recommended in a structured program.

Examples: static and dynamic CALL statements

related references  
NAME  
CANCEL statement (Enterprise COBOL for z/OS® Language Reference)  
ENTRY statement (Enterprise COBOL for z/OS Language Reference)  
MVS™ Program Management: User's Guide and Reference