Handling errors in line-sequential files
When an input or output statement fails, COBOL does not take corrective action for you. You choose whether your program should continue running after an input or output statement fails.
About this task
COBOL provides these language elements for intercepting and handling certain line-sequential input and output errors:
- End-of-file phrase (
AT END) EXCEPTION/ERRORdeclarativeFILE STATUSclause
If you do not use one of these techniques, an error in processing input or output raises a Language Environment® condition.
If
you use the FILE STATUS clause, be sure to check
the key and take appropriate action based on its value. If you do
not check the key, your program might continue, but the results will
probably not be what you expected.