Control Data Corporation 3300 Reference Manual page 7

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO COBOL
COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is a programming language which uses English terms
to simplify the programming of business data processing problems. This manual presents the details
and rules for writing a program in USASI COBOL/MASTER for the CONTROL DATA® 3300 and 3500
computers. Familiarity with basic COBOL is desirable, but not essential. This introduction con-
tains a brief outline of the COBOL language elements, program structure and content. Used in
conjunction with the rest of the manual, it provides the new user with an introduction to the funda-
mentals of COBOL programming.
LANGUAGE ELEMENTS
The COBOL language is made up of the following elements:
COBOL reserved words
User-defined words
Literals
Level numbers
Symbols
Pictures
The user composes user-defined words, literals, and pictures according to rules that govern the
choice and arrangement of characters. Within the limits imposed by the rules, it is virtually
possible to compose an infinite number of words, literals, and pictures.
The COBOL' reserved words, symbols, and level numbers are presented in fixed sets from which the
user selects what he needs. He cannot invent new reserved words, symbols, or level numbers and
must use these elements according to the rules of the language.
The sample COBOL source program entry below shows all six elements:
f
level
number
,DATA-f AME - l , PICTURE
T
YjUE,
~
user-defined
~
picture
liter~Symbol
word \
COBOL reserved
words
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