As a COBOL developer, I understand how essential it is to break down complex problems into manageable pieces. Likewise, as a fashion expert, I also understand the importance of breaking down intricate styles and looks into understandable trends. Let’s explore the “print” method in COBOL code and how it resonates with the catwalk and fashion world.
The Problem with ‘Print’
Just as the fashion world has its complexities, so does the programming world. One common issue that appears is related to printing outputs in COBOL. It may seem simple, but in reality, it’s sort of tricky. It requires a fair understanding of various libraries and functions to address this problem.
The essential task of any programming language, including COBOL, is to interact with the outside world. Typically, this happens via a console interface where the program outputs text and user input text. For fashion enthusiasts, this is similar to designers showcasing their creation on the runway and getting feedback from the audience.
Decoding The ‘Print’ Function
The “Print” function in COBOL is akin to the stylist’s toolkit in fashion. Just as how stylists use a repertoire of tools to accentuate the design, developers use various commands to accentuate the code. One such command is ‘print’.
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
PrintOutput SECTION.
DISPLAY “Hello, World!”.
STOP RUN.
The ‘Print’ function, akin to a stylist adding the final touches to a model before she struts down the runway, adds the final output to the console for the user. In COBOL, the DISPLAY command produces simple text output to the console.
Similar Functions in COBOL
There are other functions in COBOL that possess similar functionality to “Print”. For instance, the “ACCEPT” statement receives data from a user much like how a designer accepts feedback from their audience. Though different in usage, both contribute to the development of the program (or the garment).
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
DataIn SECTION.
ACCEPT SOMEDATA.
DISPLAY “You entered: “, SOMEDATA.
Here, ACCEPT is used to get user’s input and then, DISPLAY is used to print it out. Similar to high fashion, where stylist might accept the latest trends and then display his/her creation on the catwalk.
Another similar yet critical function in COBOL is “WRITE”. Now relate WRITE function with the process when a designer sketches the design on the paper, a very important process before the actual design process could start.
PROCEDURE DIVISION.
FileOutput SECTION.
WRITE A-RECORD FROM MY-DATA INVALID KEY DISPLAY “Invalid Key!”.
With understanding of these basic functions in COBOL, it’s easier to imagine how they jointly function to execute a breakthrough program or, to create a fabulous fashion collection. Both the worlds, though they seem different, follow a similar foundation: break the problem down, take small steps, display the progress, accept the feedback, and write the final output.
Whether it’s coding or fashion, the principles of problem-solving, innovation, and creativity remain constant. And that’s the beauty of it.
