COBCH0217 Preceding item at this level has zero length

You have defined a data item but have failed to give it a size, either by not using a PICTURE clause in conjunction with it, or, if it is a group item, by failing to define any elementary items to go with it. If you enter something similar to the following:

 01 my-data-item. 01 prog-data-item pic x.

you receive this message after prog-data-item because, although it is my-data-item that is in error, the error is detected only when the next item at the same level as the data item in error is encountered.

Resolution

Add the necessary PICTURE clause or elementary items to the level hierarchy.