Implementing BOM methods for COBOL code generation

You implement BOM methods in COBOL so that, when you generate a COBOL program to execute the rules, the generated COBOL code can call the methods.

COBOL methods
The generated COBOL program uses methods to exchange data with the COBOL calling program, or to carry out special execution or processing either before or after rule execution.
Method parameter types
You can define methods by using primitive and class types as arguments and return values. You can also define an instance method in the BOM and write COBOL code by using a placeholder.
Creating macro methods
You use macro methods to implement simple COBOL bodies by using COBOL expressions or statements.
Example: Creating a macro method to check data types
A typical usage for a COBOL macro method is to check data types, such as whether an item is alphabetic, numeric, or a space.
Creating mapped methods
You use mapped methods to implement more complex COBOL bodies by using COBOL paragraphs.
Changing data definitions for mapped method parameters
You can change certain data definitions for mapped methods by using the COBOL Data Type Editor.
Example: Creating a mapped method to call external COBOL code
A typical usage of a COBOL macro method is to include an external paragraph file in the generated COBOL code.
Placeholders, arrays, and nested arrays
You can implement methods in the BOM by using COBOL code and placeholders. You use placeholders to keep a place for a COBOL field whose name can vary, or for more complex logic.
Example: Using placeholders, arrays and nested arrays
In this example you implement a combination of macro and mapped methods that use placeholders, arrays, and nested arrays.

Parent topic: Designing a BOM for a COBOL model

Related tasks

Designing a BOM for a PL/I model