Cobol Level numbers and a question.

[Atif Alam]

Hi,

This might sound stupid to ask as it might be considered as rules of the language but why the level numbers are from 1 to 49 and next level numbers are 66,77,88? Are the labels 50 to 65, 67 to 76 and 78 to 87 are left for future purpose or was there some restriction? Do we have some documents available which keeps track of such details?

Thanks

[zprogrammer]

This will answer a what type of question

http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocente ... 395191.htm

[Robert Sample]

One thing to remember is that COBOL dates back to the 1950's -- more than 50 years ago -- and hence the reasons certain decisions were made may no longer be available. Your question is one of the category where you can ask, but don't expect to get an answer -- 01 to 49, 66, 77, 88 are the variable levels in COBOL, period. Accept it and move on. If you really feel the need to learn more, you could contact the COBOL working committee via http://www.cobolstandard.info/ .

[Atif Alam]

Thanks Pandora and Robert.