Key features of IBM COBOL for VSE/ESA
Rich set of intrinsic functions
The COBOL compiler provides a rich set of intrinsic functions, including data handling with four-digit year support, string handling, financial capabilities, statistical functions and mathematical formulas.
Migration path from other COBOL versions
COBOL for VSE/ESA gives you a migration path from DOS/VS COBOL and VS COBOL II. Most of your current programs will continue to run without modification. By migrating from DOS/VS COBOL to COBOL for VSE/ESA you get beyond the 24-bit addressing virtual storage constraint.
Structured programming and support
This solution offers structured programming, 31-bit addressing support and dynamic call support to help you overcome the 24-bit addressing virtual storage constraint.
Interoperability with other languages
The compiler requires Language Environment (LE) for z/VSE as a prerequisite program, which offers you a common runtime environment for all your high-level language applications written in COBOL, PL/I or C. LE for z/VSE makes interlanguage communication in mixed-language applications easier, more efficient and more consistent. LE for z/VSE also combines essential run-time services, such as routines for run-time message handling, condition handling and storage management.
Source level debugger
COBOL for VSE/ESA supports the same powerful common source level debugger that is offered with the other programming languages in the LE for z/VSE family. Only one debugger is required to debug applications in all three programming languages.
Technical details
Software requirements
COBOL for VSE/ESA runs under the control of, or in conjunction with, the currently supported releases of:
- VSE/ESA Version 2 (5690-VSE) or later
- Language Environment for VSE/ESA V1.4 (5686-094) or later
Hardware requirements
COBOL for VSE/ESA will run on any hardware configuration supported by these licensed programs:
- VSE/ESA Version 2 (5690-VSE) or later
- Language Environment for VSE/ESA V1.4 (5686-094) or later