Re: COBOL ain't quite dead - yet !

I suppose it allowed for some easy maintenance for compilers that did
not have a command to exit a paragraph/section.

But it also allowed for easy maintenance errors when the original
programmer accidentally performs the paragraph instead of the section.

Ever since we stopped needing sections for memory use, I have migrated
away from their use. (not counting when my employer's standards were
different from mine) I also don't code using PERFORM THRU.

I still have to use IDMS COPY which includes SECTION, so I have code
such as:
PROCEDURE DIVISION.

DUMMY-SECTION SECTION.
0000-MAIN-LINE.
....
COPY IDMS IDMS-STATUS.

END PROGRAM QIPR0008.


Back when SORTs required sections, I made them dummy sections, a
REST-OF-THE-PROGRAM SECTION, and performed paragraphs.

I wish my compiler was up-to-date with loop exit statements available.
I suppose most of our programmers wouldn't understand them though.

--
"In no part of the constitution is more wisdom to be found,
than in the clause which confides the question of war or peace
to the legislature, and not to the executive department."

- James Madison
.