Reference format

COBOL source text must be written in COBOL reference format.

Reference format consists of the following areas in a 72-character line.

Sequence number area: Columns 1 through 6
Indicator area: Column 7
Area A: Columns 8 through 11
Area B: Columns 12 through 72

This figure illustrates reference format for a COBOL source line.

This figure shows the areas and columns of a COBOL source line. The areas and columns are the same as those described in the text above.

If you want to continue a literal, code a hyphen (-) in the indicator area (column 7) of each continuation line. For details about line continuation rules, see Continuation lines.