Abstract: A method, system and computer readable storage medium for storing instructions for processing COBOL language record description entries that specify data items that include a varying length characteristic are provided. The method includes providing COBOL language record description entries that specify data items that include a varying length characteristic and a plurality of subfields including a length subfield. The method further includes processing the COBOL language record description entries to create at least one of a compiled specification and compiled data. The subfields are treated as a single composite field, and the length subfield is automatically set to the appropriate corresponding value during processing.

Abstract: A method and system for processing data contained within COBOL or PL/I record description entries and storage medium for storing instructions which effectuate the method are provided. The method includes receiving a first COBOL or PL/I software instruction which includes a first set of criteria for a first data field of data fields of the entries and having a generic subscript/occurrence for the first data field. The method further includes automatically processing all occurrences of the first data field within the record description entries based on the first set of criteria.

Abstract: A data processing application for selectively processing data sub-segments using a data mask. Data segments are retrieved from a data source and pre-processed to include selected data sub-segments based upon the data mask. The masked data segments are communicated to a processor for processing. The excluded data sub-segments, if any, may be recombined with the processed data in post-processing, also using the data mask. Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture embodying the invention are described.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable storage medium for storing instructions for processing COBOL language record description entries that specify data items that include a varying length characteristic are provided. The method includes providing COBOL language record description entries that specify data items that include a varying length characteristic and a plurality of subfields including a length subfield. The method further includes processing the COBOL language record description entries to create at least one of a compiled specification and compiled data. The subfields are treated as a single composite field, and the length subfield is automatically set to the appropriate corresponding value during processing.