COBOL INCLUDE Statement

INCLUDE statement used to insert a code block into a source program during the program compilation. The code block contains the PROCEDURE DIVISION code in it. These are called COBOL includes or PROCEDURE DIVISION copybooks.

The basic idea behind this concept is to place the common code in a member (like a program) and include it in the applicable programs with the help of an INCLUDE statement.

Syntax -

++INCLUDE member-name

Parameters -

  • member-name - Refers to where the code is placed.

Uses -

  • Increases the code readability and reduces the length of the code.
  • Changes are done only in one place and can be reflected in multiple programs with a simple regeneration. This process reduces maintenance costs, time, and effort.

Practical Example -

Scenario - Including ACCINPUT (PROCEDURE DIVISION copybook) in the COBOL Program.

Code -

Full Example    
----+----1----+----2----+----3----+----4----+----5----+
       ...
       WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
       01 WS-VAR.
          05 WS-NAME              PIC X(20).
          05 WS-GENDER            PIC X(01).
       ...
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.
           PERFORM 1000-RECEIVE-INPUTS.
           DISPLAY 'RECEIVED NAME:    ' WS-NAME.
           DISPLAY 'RECEIVED GENDER:  ' WS-GENDER.

           STOP RUN.
		   
           ++INCLUDE ACCINPUT.

ACCINPUT code copybook -

       1000-RECEIVE-INPUTS.
           ACCEPT WS-NAME.
           ACCEPT WS-GENDER.

Run JCL -

//MATEPKRJ JOB MSGLEVEL=(1,1),NOTIFY=&SYSUID
//*
//STEP01  EXEC PGM=COBINC
//STEPLIB  DD  DSN=MATEPK.COBOL.LOADLIB,DISP=SHR 
//SYSIN    DD  *
SRINIVAS
M
/*
//SYSOUT   DD  SYSOUT=*

Output -

RECEIVED NAME:    SRINIVAS
RECEIVED GENDER:  M