There are extensions to the PICTURE and USAGE clauses to define items that are to contain DBCS data. A new format of literal is required for DBCS data.
There are additional rules for various options, clauses and statements to define the behavior of DBCS data.
Except where otherwise stated, all the rules and features of COBOL remain applicable when DBCS is in use. The following sections give only the additional rules and formats pertaining to DBCS.