Temporary files not placed in a specific directory via a configuration variable, such as SORT_DIR, can be directed to a specific directory by defining the A_TMPDIR or TMPDIR environment variables. The run time gives preference to A_TMPDIR. This allows users to specify an alternative temporary directory exclusively for ACUCOBOL-GT temporary files. On UNIX systems, TMPDIR is the traditional variable for specifying a location for temporary files. On Windows, the run time also checks the TEMP and TMP environment variables.