The ACUCOBOL-GT compiler accepts three variants of the COBOL language. These variants are designed to make it easier to compile programs written using other COBOL compilers. These modes are based on three popular compilers: Ryan McFarland COBOL version 2.X, Digital Equipment Corporation VAX COBOL version 4.0, and Data General ICOBOL. The three modes are referred to respectively as RM/COBOL compatibility mode, VAX COBOL compatibility mode, and ICOBOL compatibility mode.
Limited compatibility with IBM DOS/VS COBOL is also available.
The compatibility mode to use for a program is selected when that program is compiled. For more information, see the ACUCOBOL-GT User's Guide, section 2.1.3, "Compatibility Options." Different programs may use different compatibility modes, even if they are part of the same run unit.
Differences in the three modes are detailed in the appropriate sections in this manual. These differences primarily lie in the handling of files and the ACCEPT and DISPLAY verbs. Unless otherwise noted, any comments applying to VAX COBOL compatibility mode also apply to ICOBOL compatibility mode.
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