Addresses and pointers

Addresses and pointers reference storage locations in the computer and addresses which make it possible to identify these storage locations. Usually, little use is made of these possibilities in applications.

In order to ensure the universal applicability of programming languages and in the light of the need to interact with systems such as POSIX or programming languages such as C and C++, COBOL also provides address and pointer handling capabilities. However, address and pointer handling should be used carefully since such techniques may impair the clarity and ease of maintenance of programs.