As far as I know the COBOL line numbers in cols 1-6 are just historical, and of no real value. I imagine we'd eliminate their usage via some mass conversion process at the time we load the source in to git.
It sounds like you are referring to columns 73-80, however. We use that for an 8 character 'work order number'. I don't think they will cause us any issues. ________________________________ From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> on behalf of Farley, Peter x23353 <peter.far...@broadridge.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 11:50 AM To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU Subject: Re: git, z/OS and COBOL Frank, The *ix compare utility is usually the "diff" command, and looking up the possible parameters for "diff" I don't see any options that would allow filtering the columns compared. It should be possible to craft a shell script to chop the line numbers off in temporary files and then do the compare with the chopped files, but the output would not, of course, reflect the line numbers in the difference listing (or "patch" compatible output file). Another possible issue would be whether it is even possible to make git use the shell script instead of "diff", and whether or not that is even desirable for any language but COBOL. Looks like an opportunity for someone to contribute to the open-source community to implement a column filter for the "diff" and "patch" suite, and maybe "git" as well. Alternatively, do your programmers really make any sensible real-world use of COBOL line numbers in columns 1-6, or is it just "tradition"? After all, no one has had to use a card sorter to re-order a program source whose card tray was dropped on the floor for some decades. I abandoned using any line numbers at all in any language many years ago, and I use those (now just comment) COBOL line number columns to "tag" changed COBOL lines during maintenance edits to identify the project for which the change was done. I use ISPF "UNNUM" on all numbered source programs when I first edit them to remove all line numbering. COBOL V5/6 implementation of line comments (*>) may somewhat alleviate the need/desire to use the COBOL line number columns for tags, but I can still see using them that way going forward. YMMV of course, I realize that it is quite hard to change the ways that people are used to working. Peter -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf Of Frank Swarbrick Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 1:19 PM To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU Subject: Re: git, z/OS and COBOL The reason I asked about the line numbers thing is that git seems to use a Unix compare utility that has no way (that I can tell) to ignore the line numbers. So if you insert a new line then the compare thinks that every line after that has changed, when truly only the line number has changed. If you have a way around that I'd be interested. I've downloaded the DBBz alpha but am waiting on resources from other groups to do what parts are required so I can try it out. Jerry, do you mind if I email you privately for more information? Thanks, Frank ________________________________ From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> on behalf of Edgington, Jerry <jerry.edging...@kroger.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 10:47 AM To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU Subject: Re: git, z/OS and COBOL Frank, I have been working with several tools to build Cobol programs with as much open source as possible. Here is what I am using; Open Source - Eclipse based IDE, with IBM Aqua and Jenkins plugins - Jenkins - git. The git server is running off z/OS supported by another team Cost item; - IBM Dependency Based Build in Beta - Deployment tool, if you wish to replace mainframe SCLM tool Some general items; - The compilers being used are the same ones used in z/OS batch compiles. So, same rules apply #1, if the z/OS batch compiler allows them, then no #2, the open source eclipse based IDE will perform that same as ISPF. So, no Cobol syntax checking #3, Actually both can be used. With DBBz, it is using SVC 99 to dynamically allocate the necessary files, then executing the compile. However, I believe there is an issue between zFS and PDS, where you can't mix them. #4, the IBM Aqua allows for direct connection between z/OS and IDE. You can submit JCL from the IDE for example #5, using this setup, they will not know they are running on Unix on z/OS #6, The IBM Aqua connection, I believe, is either FTP or SSH. But, I think FTP provides more functionality #7, Eclipse has plugins to allow for merge, diff, etc. I am using what was built for the Java environment here There are some differences that the developer will see, for example separating out the various types of sources, like Cobol, Copybooks, BMS, etc with different mime types. But, using Eclipse IDE, git and Jenkins, a developer can push code from the IDE to the git server, like Bitbucket, kick of Jenkins build, which will push/pull the source code from Bitbucket/git to zFS using git client and Jenkins slave. That is using all open source. >From there, something like DBBz, ANT script, possibly the mainframe SCM, or >JCL to copy the source to PDS and compile the programs. However, to do a full SCLM, like the current mainframe source management tools, you can forget about deployment or movement between environments. Jerry Edgington -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU] On Behalf Of Frank Swarbrick Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 11:49 AM To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU Subject: git, z/OS and COBOL At least one person has said they are using git for source code management of their z/OS COBOL programs. A few questions, if you don't mind. 1) Did you have to eliminate the line numbers in columns 1-6? 2) What do your developers use for their COBOL editor? ISPF? Off platform IDE? 3) Do you compile using JCL or UNIX? 4) Do you have a 'direct' file system connection (NFS, SMB, etc.) between z/OS and workstations? 5) How much UNIX knowledge do your developers need to be productive in this environment? 6) How do you connect to z/OS UNIX? ssh? TSO OMVS? 7) Do you use a GUI/visual merge product? How? 8) Anything else you'd like to add! Thanks, Frank -- This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient or an authorized representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. 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