A preprocessor edits the source code before passing it to the Compiler. You can use multiple preprocessors to make consecutive edits to your COBOL source code. For multiple preprocessors to function correctly during a background syntax check in the IDE, each preprocessor must conform to the stacking protocol detailed in the section Multiple Preprocessors.
As you specify preprocessors to be used the IDE creates a list that gives the order in which the preprocessesors are invoked. When you have multiple preprocessors defined, compiling a program causes the Compiler to call the first preprocessor in the list which then edits a line of source code. The line is then passed to the next preprocessor in the list. When all preprocessors in the stack have parsed the line, it is passed to the Compiler to compile it. The Compiler calls the preprocessors for the next line of code until all source code has been parsed through the preprocessors and is compiled
You can specify that an additional preprocessor is to be used for an entire project or for individual files.
You can use the Preprocessors properties page to specify and configure the preprocessors to use with your COBOL files or project or with files in your project. You can specify either a single or multiple preprocessor.