neoeno · HackerTrans

hace 2 mesesdiscuss

Under 16s can’t buy energy drinks in the UK

Edit: currently a voluntary but widespread scheme by retailers, proposed to be law. TIL

neoeno

hace 9 mesesdiscuss

Love to see fixed format mode in use :)

For those who are unaware — you can use COBOL in two modes: free mode and fixed format mode.

Fixed format mode is (afaik) the original, based on punch card affordances, and specifies specific columns for specific purposes:

* The first 6 columns for line numbers

* Column 7 for the indicator character (notably: * for comments as you can see here https://github.com/jmsdnns/webbol/blob/main/file-structs.cpy )

* Column 8-11 for special division markers, though they can extend beyond (visible in this file: https://github.com/jmsdnns/webbol/blob/main/webserver.cbl)

* Columns 12-72 for ordinary COBOL statements

* Columns 73-80 for programmer comments or whatever notes you like

All the columns are undoubtedly a bit taxing to the modern developer and their tools, so 'free mode' which discards all the above is the suggested default.

But, I think fixed mode is very charming, and if you're going to write COBOL in 2025, you may as well try to get the most authentic experience!