Layout of a COBOL Program
Tony Royce · 1991
A COBOL program would often be written down on a coding sheet (see attached example); it is necessary when doing this — and later when keying the program in to the machine — to follow certain rules: Most of the program should be written between columns 12 and 72 inclusive (known as Area B). All Division names and Paragraph names and certain other headings should start between columns 8 and 11 inclusive (known as Area A). Column 7 will usually be blank but if you want the line to be treated as a remark — an asterisk (*) should be placed in this column. Columns 1 – 6 and 73 – 80 can generally be left blank.