Static and Dynamic CALL in COBOL.

[Rahul]

Hello,

Is the following understading correct?

If compiled as NODYNAM:
CALL 'literal' is a static call
CALL WS-label is a dynamic call

If compiled as DYNAM:
CALL 'literal' is a dynamic call
CALL WS-label is a dynamic call

But I'm confused why a type of CALL sould depends on compiler option - can't we just understand it directly looking at program?

[William Collins]

Your understanding is correct.

Your confusion would be nothing compared to that of the compiler if it did not know what sort of code to generate for something.

Here's a CALL I want to have in a system which uses dynamic loading of modules: CALL "A". Here's the same CALL but for a system where everything is fully linkedited/bound. CALL "A". So, to tell the compiler, I need the compiler option.

[Robert Sample]

can't we just understand it directly looking at program?

No, because as was stated CALL "literal" can be static OR dynamic -- and which it is will depend upon how the program is compiled, NOT ON ANYTHING IN THE PROGRAM!

[Rahul]

Thanks William and Robert.

I've seen many of my friends discussing this question that they have been asked in interview: " can't we just understand it directly looking at program". I'm not sure why they have been asked such question!

[dick scherrer]

I'm not sure why they have been asked such question!

Usually so the interviewer can determine the depth of the applicant's knowledge/experience or how the applicant will react to an unplanned question/situation. Which is the reason for many (most) questions like this in an interview.