Enterprise COBOL for z/OS 6.4 documentation is refreshed today to include the following enhancements:

Enhancements in COBOL 6.4 with PTFs installed: (For a complete list of Enterprise COBOL PTFs, check https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/604539):

• PH56036 (AMODE 31) and PH56037 (AMODE 64): Added an optional alternate logic path for those who use dynamic access for VSAM files so that they can take advantage of zHyperLink. (VSAM dynamic access optional logic path)

• PH56142: For compiling under z/OS UNIX, added a new cob2 -M option to generate a make dependency file, file.u. This file contains entries for each copybook file that resides in a z/OS UNIX file system and is referenced in the COBOL source file. (cob2 syntax and options)

Documentation fixes in COBOL 6.4:

- In Programming Guide:

• Added troubleshooting methods for building and running non-OO COBOL applications that interoperate with Java. (Troubleshooting)

• Clearly distinguished topics for OO and non-OO COBOL/Java interoperability. (Coding interoperable data types in OO COBOL and Java and Mapping between COBOL and Java data types for non-OO COBOL/Java interoperability)

• Added a few sections on COBOL runtime options and their usage. (COBOL runtime options)

• Added new and updated the reference links about calling COBOL programs under CICS. (Calling subprograms from COBOL programs)

• Clarified what “hardware compression” is and explained the impact of enabling or disabling “hardware compression” on compile times. (SMARTBIN)

- In Language Reference:

• Added examples for the VALUE clause FORMAT 1 and 2. (VALUE clause Format 1 and Format 2)

• Updated the example of SET statement to assign values to function-pointer and procedure-pointer data items. (Format 6: SET for procedure-pointer and function-pointer data items)

• Added the return code for STOP RUN statement. (STOP statement)

• Further explained specific conditions that lead to the termination of the ACCEPT statement. (Data transfer)
  

The English PDF files are also refreshed to include the updates above. You can find the latest English PDF files from the Enterprise COBOL for z/OS library page at https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/611415.

If you have any comments regarding COBOL docs, please send them to compinfo@cn.ibm.com.

New - IBM COBOL and Java Interoperability Portal

We are excited to announce the launch of the new IBM COBOL and Java Interoperability Portal! You can discover the basics about interoperability between IBM COBOL and IBM Java (Semeru) on IBM z/OS, understand the new interoperability framework, and use the latest tools to execute interoperability between COBOL and Java. Get started now and elevate your COBOL and Java synergy.