MULTIPLE FILE TAPE clause

Function

The MULTIPLE FILE TAPE clause is required when more than one file shares the same physical reel of tape.

Format

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MULTIPLE FILE TAPE CONTAINS {file-name-1 [POSITION integer-1]}...

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Syntax rule

1. integer can have any value between 1 and 3315.

General rules

1. When all file-names are supplied in the same order in which they appear on a reel, the POSITION phrase may be omitted.

2. If any of the files is not specified, then the positions must be supplied as relative to the beginning of the tape.

3. Irrespective of the number of files that share the reel of tape, only those used by the program need be specified.

4. Only one file may be opened on the same reel at any given time.

5. REWIND can be carried out when the last file of the tape has been processed.

6. If the MULTIPLE FILE TAPE clause is specified for an external file, then the MULTIPLE FILE TAPE clause must be specified in all programs that describe this external file. If position numbers are specified, these must be the same in all programs.

For further information, see the "COBOL2000 User Guide" [1].