In article <[log in to unmask]>, bob mcgregor <[log in to unmask]> writes >Can someone let me know how I specify the value for TAB in in Cobol: > > INSPECT variable TALLYING X BEFORE INITIAL TAB > >How do I setup the variable TAB in the Data Division? > >Thanks alot... bob Either 01 TAB PIC X VALUE %11. (the octal value of a tab is 11) or to keep things portable (I think this is preferable) In the ENVIRONMENT DIVISION SYMBOLIC CHARACTERS TAB IS 10. (tab is the 10th character in the ASCII character set) HTH -- Mark Undrill Telephone: +44 (0)1684 291710 Affirm Limited Fax.: +44 (0)1684 291712 The Great Barn, Mill Street e-mail: [log in to unmask] TEWKESBURY GL20 5SB U.K.