Re: error: invalid expression on USAGE POINTER item

[Simon Sobisch]

Am 15.05.2023 um 13:01 schrieb James K. Lowden:
> On Mon, 15 May 2023 08:29:13 -0400
> Ron Norman <rjn@inglenet.com> wrote:
>
> > Microfocus Cobol does accept this and works as if C-W is a POINTER.
>
> Interesting.  ISO doesn't allow it.

It explicit does.

> What is the MF rule?  That the USAGE of any name, if missing, can be
> inferred from the one before it, if at the same level?

No, it is inferred from the group (the parent).

From 13.18.60.3 USAGE clause syntax rule 2:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
If the USAGE clause is written in the data description entry for a group
item, it may also be written in the data description entry for any
subordinate elementary item or group item, but the same usage shall be
specified in both entries.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

and from 13.18.60.4 USAGE clause, general rule 1

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
If the USAGE clause is specified or implied at a group level, it applies
only to each elementary item in the group. Unless the GROUP-USAGE clause
is also specified or implied, the USAGE clause applies only to each
elementary item in the group and not to the group itself.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Therefore the example:

       01  A-W         USAGE POINTER.
           03  B-W     USAGE POINTER.
           03  C-W.

defines an alphanumeric group (is the case for every group which has no
explicit GROUP-USAGE NATIONAL/BIT - something that GnuCOBOL doesn't
support so far) which contains two variables of USAGE POINTER.

> If so, does that hold for the PICTURE, too?

No, as only elementary items may contain a PICTURE clause.

> --jkl

Simon