One solution.

I copy the file to a file of known length prior to the COBOL process.

Kent Wallace

>>> <[log in to unmask]> 12/19/02 07:49AM >>>
I need some help with Cobol...

I am writing a program that is going to read in data
files. However, I the record size (ie; width) of the
data files will vary from run to run. How can I ensure
that my program can cope with this variable record
width.

For example, none of my data files will exceed
1200bytes, so I have initially defined my FD area
thus...* Identify the external files to be used

 SELECT F1-INFILEA ASSIGN TO "INFILEA".
 SELECT F2-INFILEB ASSIGN TO "INFILEB".
 SELECT F3-OUTFILE ASSIGN TO "OUTFILE".

 DATA DIVISION.
 FILE SECTION.

* Define the layout of the INFILEA input file

* INFILEA
 FD  F1-INFILEA.
 01  F1-RECORD                   PIC X(1200).

* Define the layout of the INFILEB input file

* INFILEB
 FD  F2-INFILEB.
 01  F2-RECORD                   PIC X(1200).


...however, when I read in a datafile, say, that is
702bytes wide, my program gives a file error tombstone
complaining about the difference of 702 to my defined
1200.

Can this situation be resolved with something as simple
as a file equation? I've tried a few, but without
success.

All help gratefully received.

David.

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