Add or delete columns in COBOL application program.

[Binamra]

Hi Morning,

I have a basic doubt but wanted to get it clarified.

Is it possible to add/delete columns in the application program? If yes, how can it be performed?

[Robert Sample]

You have not clearly stated what you want to know. "Add or delete columns" -- if you mean changing the length of the COBOL source statements, then the answer is no, this cannot be done. COBOL uses certain columns in certain ways (1 to 6 for line numbers, 7 for comments or debugging statements, 8 to 11 for area A, 12 to 71 for area B) and these cannot be changed. If you mean adding or deleting DB2 columns from the program, then yes that can be done -- although it is not clear why this would even be a question. If you meant something else, you will need to explain more.

[Binamra]

I meant to add/delete columns in a DB2 table from a COBOL program. I was thinking it needs to be always done by the DBA team and programmers can not do it.

[DB2 Guy]

Robert is correct. DDL operations can be performed using a program too - if the given ID, requesting the execution of the program, has the authority to run DDL statements. Other than that, if you know how to write DDL statements there is no restrictions imposed by the system and I can infer from your post.