This appendix contains a composite language skeleton of the ACUCOBOL-GT programming language. It is intended to show the complete correct syntax of the language. Terms and conventions used here generally follow the ANSI 1985 COBOL standard (X3.23-1985).
In the skeleton, the conventions described in the following sections are used.
Upper-case and Special-Character Words
Underlined upper-case words are keywords. A keyword is required when encountered in the language skeleton. The following special characters are not underlined, but are required when they appear: +, -, <, >, *, /, **, <=, >=, =, colon and period.
Upper-case words that are not underlined are optional. They serve only to improve readability of the source.
Lower-case Words
Lower-case words serve as generic items. They can indicate COBOL variables, literals, PICTURE elements, or syntactical elements.
Brackets, Braces and Vertical Bars
Brackets ( [ ] ) enclose optional elements. When several bracketed entries are stacked vertically, then you can select one (but no more than one) of these entries.
Braces ( { } ) indicate that you must select one (but not more than one) of the enclosed vertically stacked entries. If only one entry appears, then the braces serve as delimiters for repetition (see Ellipses in the next section).
Vertically stacked entries enclosed in vertical bars indicate entries that you may select one or more of. Any number of entries can be selected, but no entry may be selected more than once.
Ellipses
Ellipses ( ... ) indicate repetition. The immediately preceding element may be repeated any number of times. If an element consists of a required phrase, then the phrase will be enclosed in braces.
Shading
Shaded areas are not currently used in the syntax diagrams.