OPTIONAL-FILE

Makes the Compiler treat all files opened for I-O or EXTEND as optional.

Syntax:

>>-.---.-.----.--OPTIONAL-FILE-------------><
   +-/-+ +-NO-+

Parameters:

None

Properties:

Default: OPTIONAL-FILE
Phase: Syntax check
$SET: Initial

Dependencies:

NORM sets OPTIONAL-FILE immediately.

DIALECT"RM", RM, or RM"ANSI" sets NOOPTIONAL-FILE immediately.

Comments:

Under ANSI'85 Standard COBOL, a file is treated as optional only if it has the OPTIONAL phrase in its SELECT statement. For compatibility with the ANSI'85 Standard you must specify the NOOPTIONAL-FILE directive.