COBOL-74 Language Manual Jan79

This document is the "COBOL-74 Language Manual" (Order Number AA-5059A-TK), published by Digital Equipment Corporation in January 1979. It serves as a comprehensive reference for DEC's implementation of the COBOL-74 language on TOPS-10 and TOPS-20 operating systems, specifically reflecting versions of the COBOL-74 compiler (CBL74), object-time system (C74OTS), and SORT.

Intended for experienced COBOL programmers, the manual is structured to provide:

• Language Fundamentals: Detailed descriptions of COBOL-74's symbols, terms, program structure (Identification, Environment, Data, and Procedure Divisions), and syntax, including comprehensive verb formats.
• System Usage: Information on compiler command strings, essential utility programs (for indexed file maintenance, source library management, debugging, and program restart), various file formats, and simultaneous update capabilities.
• Advanced Topics & Performance: Guidance on Report Writer, program segmentation, subprograms, overlays, calling non-COBOL subprograms, and techniques for optimizing COBOL-74 program performance.
• Reference Appendices: Supplemental material including differences from COBOL-68, reserved words, character collating sequences (ASCII, SIXBIT, EBCDIC), and defining logical names.