usage of comma 2

[cobp]

Hi,
I have seen some old cobol programs that uses a ',' 12 th column on many lines(not a part of STRING or similar verbs). Any body knows about significance of comma? thanks

 

[slade]

Can you show us some examples?

Regards, Jack.

 

[razalas]

Sounds like a coding style used by another contributor (Wim Ahlers) to this forum.

He apparently uses the commas to show the intended indentation of his code. For some this may be helpful, but I find it distracting.

I haven't checked it out, but I suspect the comma is treated as whitespace by the compiler.

Personally, since the comma is extraneous, I prefer to omit them completely in my code.

"Code what you mean,
and mean what you code!
But by all means post your code!"

Razalas

 

[wahlers]

Hi, this is Wim Ahlers!

I need that to align my code because I have a small dislexic disorder.
It is not to emphasize indentation but to align the scope delimeters otherwise I don't see them (that easily).

Also, position 12 is irrelevant. I could and do use the comma in other columns. It depends on the 'nesting' levels (though I usually never go beyond 3 levels depth!).

The comma can be omitted. Everybody is free to do so. But for me it is easier when I use them.

Regards, Wim Ahlers.


N.B. If you want see a full blown source using the comma as I normally use it then request the COMBSORT source as described in the forum entry:

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?SQID=895872&SPID=209&page=1