Re: sequential file formats

>> different format for sequential files.

> select AFILE assign to "output.dat"
> organization is relative sequential
> record key is big-record.

That is _NOT_ a 'sequential file'. It is organization relative, access
sequential which is quite a different thing altogether.

You also cannot have RECORD KEY on relative or sequential so I am
surprised that it compiled.

> fd AFILE
> label records are standard
> record varying from 1 to 50
> depending on a-length
> data record is a-file.

If you going to have variable records then there must be _some_
mechanism to indicate where the record ends on the disc and (possibly)
where the next one starts. This is often done with a header on the
record though I do know of other mechanisms that can be used.

Fixed length records may not need the record header or terminator.

> 01 a-file.
> 05 big-record pic x(50).

This should be a problem for the compiler too. You have defined a
variable key (though this is complete nonsense anyway).

.