Originally posted by: Cecilia_F
In addition to the fixed indicators that can be specified in the indicator area of the source reference format, there is a new floating comment indicator (*>) introduced by COBOL for AIX, V4.1. You can use the floating comment indicator in both the extended format and in the fixed format.
A comment indicator indicates a comment line when specified as the first character-string in the program text area (Area A plus Area B). It can also indicate an inline comment when specified following one or more character-strings in the program text area.
There are a couple rules apply: a) Both characters (* and >) of the floating comment indicator must stick together and must be specified on the same line. b) A space is implied immediately after a floating comment indicator. c) A floating comment is terminated by an end-of-line. d) For inline comments, the floating comment indicator must be preceded by a separator space, and can be specified wherever a separator space can be specified.