Describing the output from sorting or merging

If the output from sorting or merging is a file, describe the file by following the procedure below.

About this task

Procedure

  1. Write a SELECT clause in the FILE-CONTROL paragraph of the ENVIRONMENT DIVISION to name the output file. For example:
    
    ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
    INPUT-OUTPUT SECTION.
    FILE-CONTROL.
        SELECT Output-File ASSIGN TO OutFile.
    

    Output-File is the name of the file in your program. Use this name to refer to the file.

  2. Describe the output file (or files when merging) in an FD entry in the FILE SECTION of the DATA DIVISION. For example:
    
    DATA DIVISION.
    FILE SECTION.
    FD  Output-File 
        RECORD CONTAINS 100 CHARACTERS.
    01  Output-Record   PIC X(100).
    

Results

Related references  
FILE SECTION entries