Split Key

If a program contained the following definition:

 01 rec. 
     03 forename     pic X(10). 
     03 personnel-no pic X(4). 
     03 surname      pic X(15).

the syntax:

     record key is fullname = 
  surname forename

would cause the COBOL system to treat fullname as though it were an explicitly defined group item consisting of:

     03 surname      pic X(15).
     03 forename     pic X(10).