COBOL Bit Processing
 Bit Manipulation
When technology complements business    Copyright © 1987-2012  SimoTime Enterprises  All Rights Reserved
  Table of Contents Version 10.11.01 
  Introduction
  EXPAND - translate the bits of a one-byte field to bytes of an eight-byte field
  COMPRESS - translate the bytes of an eight-byte field into bits of a one-byte field
  Call Interface
  The CMD Member
  The JCL Member
  The COBOL Demonstration Program
  The COBOL Bit Manipulation Routine
  The Copy File for Linkage Data Areas
  Summary
  Software Agreement and Disclaimer
  Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
  Downloads and Links, Internet Access Required
  Downloads and Links, Local Access
  Glossary of Terms
  Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
  Company Overview
The SimoTime Home Page

Introduction
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This is an example of how COBOL can do bit-level manipulation. The three basic functions provided are as follows.

1 Determine the setting of a bit (0 or 1).
2 Set a bit to 0.
3 Set a bit to 1.
  The Three Basic Functions provided by the Bit Manipulation Routine

This example uses an approach of converting the bit information in a single byte to or from an eight-byte field of COBOL accessible zeroes and ones. This example contains one JCL member to execute the two COBOL programs. The main COBOL program (CBLBITC1.CBL) is used to demonstrate and test the bit manipulation functions. The bit manipulation functions are in a separate, callable COBOL program (SIMOBITS.CBL). Both COBOL programs were written and tested using the VS COBOL II dialect. Also, both COBOL programs will work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. A JCL member is provided to run the job as an MVS batch job on an IBM mainframe or as a project with Micro Focus Mainframe Express (MFE) running on a PC with Windows. Also, a CMD member is provided to run the job with Micro Focus Net Express (MFE) running on a PC with Windows.

In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This suite of programs is provided as a COBOL programming example of one of the possible solutions to the problem of determining and changing the bits within a byte. This example may serve as a tutorial for new programmers and as a reference for experienced programmers. Additional information (including the original Assembler routine that does bit manipulation) is provided in the Downloads and Links to Similar Pages section of this document.

This type of bit manipulation is quite often considered something that cannot be done using COBOL. Many years ago I was asked to provide a mainframe assembler routine to access the bits within a byte. I delivered the callable routine and was well paid for the task. However, something the client said bothered me, "I have been told this cannot be done in COBOL."

I have heard this statement many times over the years and in a number of instances it is simply not true. An assembler routine would probably be smaller and run faster. However, if the task could be accomplished in a reasonable manner using COBOL then the cost, effort, frustration and ongoing support of an assembler routine in a COBOL programming shop may not be worth these advantages. This is especially true if assembler expertise is not readily available.

Determining and changing the setting of a bit is possible using COBOL. An assembler routine or the use of a language extension is not required. The called COBOL routine (SIMOBITS) in this example provides two functions.

Note: Refer to the Download and Links to Similar Pages section of this document for links to additional documents that discuss this topic.

EXPAND - translate the bits of a one-byte field to bytes of an eight-byte field
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For each bit that is ON (1) in the BTS-PASS-BITS field the corresponding byte in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field is set to a value of one. For each bit that is OFF (0) in the BTS-PASS-BITS field the corresponding byte in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field is set to a value of zero.

 Input BTS-PASS-BITS, a one byte field (8-bits)
 Output BTS-PASS-BYTES, an eight byte field
 Example if BTS-PASS-BITS = x'55' then BTS-PASS-BYTES will be '01010101'
  Expand Function of the Bit manipulation Routine

COMPRESS - translate the bytes of an eight-byte field into bits of a one-byte field
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For each byte that is a one in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field the corresponding bit in the BTS-PASS-BITS field is set to ON (1). For each byte that is zero in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field the corresponding bit in the BTS-PASS-BITS field is set to OFF (0).

 Input BTS-PASS-BYTES, an eight byte field
 Output BTS-PASS-BITS, a one byte field (8-bits)
 Example if BTS-PASS-BYTES = '01010101' then BTS-PASS-BITS will be set to x'55'
  Compress Function of the Bit manipulation Routine

Call Interface
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The callable interface requires a data structure to be defined. A copy file (PASSBITS.CPY) is provided with the following source code.

      *****************************************************************
      *                PASSBITS is a COBOL Copy File                  *
      *     Data Structure or Pass Area used for calling SIMOBITS.    *
      *         Copyright (C) 1987-2012 SimoTime Enterprises          *
      *                     All Rights Reserved                       *
      *****************************************************************
      *              Provided by SimoTime Enterprises                 *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *****************************************************************
      *
      * When BTS-PASS-REQUEST is 'EXPAND  ' then
      *      BTS-PASS-BITS (a 1-btye field of 8-bits) is analyzed
      *      and based on the bit settings a corresponding value of
      *      0 or 1 is set in the BTS-PASS-BYTES (an 8-byte field
      *      of zeroes and ones).
      *
      * When BTS-PASS-REQUEST is 'COMPRESS' then
      *      BTS-PASS-BYTES (an 8-byte field of zeroes and ones) is
      *      analyzed and based on a value of 0 or 1 the corresponding
      *      bit in BTS-PASS-BITS (a 1-byte field of 8-bits) is
      *      switched ON or OFF.
      *
       01  BTS-PASS-AREA.
           05  BTS-PASS-REQUEST            PIC X(8).
           05  BTS-PASS-RESULT             PIC S9(9)   COMP.
           05  BTS-PASS-RECORD.
               10  BTS-PASS-BITS           PIC X.
               10  BTS-PASS-BYTES.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-01    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-02    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-03    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-04    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-05    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-06    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-07    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-08    PIC X.
      *
      ***  PASSBITS - End-of-Copy File - - - - - - - - - - - PASSBITS *
      *****************************************************************
      *

The following will translate an eight character field of 0's and 1's to a one byte field with the bits set to match to 0's and 1's of the eight character field. Please note: the content of the BTS-PASS-REQUEST field must be upper case and contain 'COMPRESS'

      *****************************************************************
      * The coding required to do the call to the Byte-Bit Routine    *
      * (translate an 8-byte field to a 1-byte field).                *
      *****************************************************************
           MOVE '11111111'         to BTS-PASS-BYTES
           MOVE 'COMPRESS'         to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           CALL 'SIMOBITS'      using BTS-PASS-AREA

In the preceding example the contents of BTS-PASS-BITS will be X'FF' or high-value upon return from the call to SIMOBITS.

The following will set the individual bytes of an eight character field to 0's or 1's based on the bit settings of a one byte field. Please note: the content of the BTS-PASS-REQUEST field must be upper case and contain 'EXPAND' followed by two spaces

      *****************************************************************
      * The coding required to do the call to the Byte-Bit Routine    *
      * (translate a 1-byte field to an 8-byte field).                *
      *****************************************************************
           MOVE X'55'              to BTS-PASS-BITS
           MOVE 'EXPAND  '         to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           CALL 'SIMOBITS'      using BTS-PASS-AREA

In the preceding example the contents of BTS-PASS-BYTES will be '01010101' upon return from the call to SIMOBITS.

The CMD Member
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The following is the Windows Command file (CBLBITE1.CMD) that is required to run as a job on a PC using Micro Focus Net Express.

@echo OFF
rem  * *******************************************************************
rem  *               CBLBITE1.CMD - a Windows Command File               *
rem  *         This program is provided by SimoTime Enterprises          *
rem  *           (C) Copyright 1987-2012 All Rights Reserved             *
rem  *             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
rem  *                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
rem  * *******************************************************************
rem  *
rem  * Text    - COBOL and Bit Manipulation
rem  * Author  - SimoTime Enterprises
rem  * Date    - November 11, 2003
rem  * Version - 06.07.16
rem  *
rem  * This set of programs illustrate the use a COBOL program to do
rem  * bit manipulation. This suite of programs will convert between
rem  * a one-byte (eight-bits) field and an eight-byte field.
rem  *
rem  * When running with Net Express the IBMCOMP an NOTRUNC directives
rem  * will be required to maintain compatability with the mainframe
rem  * format and field sizes for binary fields.
rem  *
rem  * This technique provides for the use of a single COBOL source
rem  * program that will run on OS/390, Windows or Unix.
rem  *
rem  * This set of programs will run on a Personal Computer with Windows
rem  * and Micro Focus Net Express.
rem  *
rem  *   ************
rem  *   * CBLBITE1 *
rem  *   ********cmd*
rem  *        *
rem  *   ************     ************
rem  *   *   call   ******* Env1BASE *
rem  *   ************     ********cmd*
rem  *        *
rem  *        *
rem  *   ************     ************     ************
rem  *   *   run    ******* CBLBITC1 *******  SYSOUT  *
rem  *   ************     ********cbl*     ************
rem  *        *                *
rem  *        *                *
rem  *        *           ************
rem  *        *           * SIMOBITS *
rem  *        *           ********cbl*
rem  *   ************
rem  *   *   EOJ    *
rem  *   ************
rem  *
rem  * ********************************************************************
rem  * Step   1 of 2  Set the global environment variables...
rem  *
     setlocal
     set CmdName=CblBitE1
     call ..\Env1BASE %CmdName%
     if "%SYSLOG%" == "" set syslog=c:\SimoLIBR\LOGS\SimoTime.LOG
rem  *
     call SimoNOTE "*******************************************************CblBitE1"
     call SimoNOTE "Starting CmdName %CmdName%, V08.06.05, User is %USERNAME%"
rem  * ********************************************************************
rem  * Step   2 of 2  Execute the sample program...
rem  *
     run CblBitC1
     if not "%ERRORLEVEL%" == "0" set JobStatus=0010
     if not "%JobStatus%" == "0000" goto :EojNOK
:EojAOK
     call SimoNOTE "Finished CmdName %CmdName%, Job Status is %JobStatus% "
     goto :End
:EojNOK
     call SimoNOTE "ABENDING CmdName %CmdName%, Job Status is %JobStatus% "
     goto :End
:End
     call SimoNOTE "Conclude SYSOUT is %SYSOUT%"
     if not "%1" == "nopause" pause
     endlocal

The JCL Member
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The following is the mainframe JCL member (CBLBITJ1.JCL) that is required to run as a job on the mainframe or as a Mainframe Express project on the PC.

//CBLBITJ1 JOB SIMOTIME,'CBL BIT MANIPULATE',CLASS=1,MSGCLASS=0,
//             NOTIFY=CSIP1
//* *******************************************************************
//*       This JCL member is provided by SimoTime Enterprises         *
//*           (C) Copyright 1987-2012 All Rights Reserved             *
//*             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
//*                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//* Text   - COBOL calls COBOL for Bit and Byte manipulation
//* Author - SimoTime Enterprises
//* Date   - January 01, 1989
//*
//* This set of programs illustrate the use a COBOL program to do
//* bit manipulation. This suite of programs will convert between
//* a one-byte (eight-bits) field and an eight-byte field.
//*
//* The DD statement for SYSOUT is required by this example. The
//* COBOL program may be compiled using the SYSOUT directive and
//* without the DD statement for SYSOUT an RTS173 or RTS227 may occur.
//*
//* This set of programs will run on a mainframe under MVS or on
//* a Personal Computer running Windows and Mainframe Express by
//* Micro Focus.
//*
//*   ************
//*   * CBLBITJ1 *
//*   ********jcl*
//*        *
//*        *
//*   ************     ************
//*   * CBLBITC1 *-----* DISPLAY  *
//*   ********cbl*     ************
//*        *   *
//*        *   *       ************
//*        *   *-CALL--* SIMOBITS *
//*        *           ********cbl*
//*        *
//*   ************
//*   *   EOJ    *
//*   ************
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step 1 of 1, This is a single step job.
//*
//CBLBITS1 EXEC PGM=CBLBITC1
//STEPLIB  DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.DEMO.LOADLIB1,DISP=SHR
//SYSOUT   DD  SYSOUT=*
//*

The COBOL Demonstration Program
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This program (CBLBITC1.CBL) was written to test the callable COBOL program (SIMOBITS.CBL) that does the conversion between a 1-byte field of 8-bits and a field of 8-bytes.

       IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
       PROGRAM-ID.    CBLBITC1.
       AUTHOR.        SIMOTIME ENTERPRISES.
      *****************************************************************
      * Copyright (C) 1987-2012 SimoTime Enterprises.                 *
      *                                                               *
      * All rights reserved.  Unpublished, all rights reserved under  *
      * copyright law and international treaty.  Use of a copyright   *
      * notice is precautionary only and does not imply publication   *
      * or disclosure.                                                *
      *                                                               *
      * Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software  *
      * for any non-commercial purpose and without fee is hereby      *
      * granted, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all *
      * copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be  *
      * used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use    *
      * of the software without the written permission of SimoTime    *
      * Enterprises.                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software  *
      * for any commercial purpose requires a fee to be paid to       *
      * SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime    *
      * the latest version of the software will be delivered and a    *
      * license will be granted for use within an enterprise,         *
      * provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies   *
      * of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used    *
      * in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the  *
      * software without the written permission of SimoTime           *
      * Enterprises.                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations     *
      * about the suitability of the software for any purpose. It is  *
      * provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty,   *
      * including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness  *
      * for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime       *
      * Enterprises shall not be liable for any direct, indirect,     *
      * special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of   *
      * use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or    *
      * tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or         *
      * performance of this software                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * SimoTime Enterprises                                          *
      * 15 Carnoustie Drive                                           *
      * Novato, CA 94949-5849                                         *
      * 415.883.6565                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND                                      *
      * Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject  *
      * to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of    *
      * the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at  *
      * DFARS 52.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of          *
      * Commercial  Computer Software - Restricted Rights  at 48      *
      * CFR 52.227-19, as applicable.  Contact SimoTime Enterprises,  *
      * 15 Carnoustie Drive, Novato, CA 94949-5849.                   *
      *                                                               *
      *****************************************************************
      *      This program is provided by SimoTime Enterprises         *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *****************************************************************
      *
      *****************************************************************
      * Source Member: CBLBITC1.CBL
      * Copy Files:    PASSBITS.CPY
      * Calls to:      SIMOBITS
      *****************************************************************
      *
      * CBLBITC1 - Call SIMOBITS to convert between bits and bytes.
      *
      * CALLING PROTOCOL
      * ----------------
      * Use standard procedure to RUN or ANIMATE.
      *
      * DESCRIPTION
      * -----------
      * This program will call a COBOL routine to access a
      * routine to convert between bits and bytes..
      *
      *          ************
      *          * CBLBITJ1 *
      *          ********jcl*
      *               *
      *               *
      *          ************     ************
      *          * CBLBITC1 *-----* CONSOLE  *
      *          ********cbl*     ******dsply*
      *               *
      *               *
      *          ************
      *          * SIMOBITS *
      *          ********cbl*
      *
      * This program calls SIMOBITS to perform two functions:
      *
      * EXPAND   - translate the bits of a one-byte field to bytes
      *            in an eight-byte field.
      * COMPRESS - translate the bytes of an eight-byte field into
      *            bits in a one-byte field.
      *
      *****************************************************************
      * The EXPAND function will do the following:
      *
      * Input:  BTS-PASS-BITS, a one byte field (8-bits)
      * OUTPUT: BTS-PASS-BYTES, an eight byte field
      *
      * For each bit that is on in the BTS-PASS-BITS field set the
      * corresponding byte in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field to a value
      * of one.
      *
      * For each bit that is off in the BTS-PASS-BITS field set the
      * corresponding byte in the BTS-PASS-
      * BYTES field to a value of zero.
      *
      * Example: if   BTS-PASS-BITS = x'55'
      *          then BTS-PASS-BYTES will be '01010101'
      *
      *****************************************************************
      * The COMPRESS function will do the following:
      *
      * Input:  BTS-PASS-BYTES, an eight byte field
      * Output: BTS-PASS-BITS, a one byte field (8-bits)
      *
      * For each byte that is a one in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field the
      * corresponding bit in the BTS-PASS-BITS field is set to ON (1)
      *
      * For each byte that is zero in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field the
      * corresponding bit in the BTS-PASS-BITS field is set to OFF (0).
      *
      * Example: if   BTS-PASS-BYTES = '01010101'
      *          then BTS-PASS-BITS set to x'55'
      *
      *****************************************************************
      *
      * MAINTENANCE
      * -----------
      * 1989/02/27 Simmons, Created program.
      * 1997/03/17 Simmons, Updated for call to SIMOBITS.
      *
      *****************************************************************
      *
       ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
       DATA DIVISION.
       WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
      *****************************************************************
      *    Data-structure for Title and Copyright...
      *    ------------------------------------------------------------
       01  SIM-TITLE.
           05  T1 pic X(11) value '* CBLBITC1 '.
           05  T2 pic X(34) value 'Convert between Bits and Bytes    '.
           05  T3 pic X(10) value ' v08.06.05'.
           05  T4 pic X(24) value ' http://www.simotime.com'.
       01  SIM-COPYRIGHT.
           05  C1 pic X(11) value '* CBLBITC1 '.
           05  C2 pic X(20) value 'Copyright 1987-2012 '.
           05  C3 pic X(28) value '--- SimoTime Enterprises ---'.
           05  C4 pic X(20) value ' All Rights Reserved'.

       01  SIM-THANKS-01.
           05  C1 pic X(11) value '* CBLBITC1 '.
           05  C2 pic X(32) value 'Thank you for using this softwar'.
           05  C3 pic X(32) value 'e provided from SimoTime Enterpr'.
           05  C4 pic X(04) value 'ises'.

       01  SIM-THANKS-02.
           05  C1 pic X(11) value '* CBLBITC1 '.
           05  C2 pic X(32) value 'Please send all inquires or sugg'.
           05  C3 pic X(32) value 'estions to the helpdesk@simotime'.
           05  C4 pic X(04) value '.com'.

       COPY PASSBITS.

      *****************************************************************
      *    BTS-PASS-REQUEST values when calling SIMOBITS.
      *    ------------------------------------------------------------
       01  REQUEST-4-EXPAND        pic X(8)    value 'EXPAND  '.
       01  REQUEST-4-COMPRESS      pic X(8)    value 'COMPRESS'.

      *****************************************************************
      *    Buffer used for posting messages to the console.
      *    ------------------------------------------------------------
       01  MESSAGE-BUFFER.
           05  MESSAGE-HEADER      pic X(11)   value '* CBLBITC1 '.
           05  MESSAGE-TEXT        pic X(68).

      *****************************************************************
      *    Work fields used for testing call to SIMOBITS.
      *    ------------------------------------------------------------
       01  HEX-00                  pic X.
       01  HEX-55                  pic X.
       01  HEX-AA                  pic X.
       01  HEX-FF                  pic X.

       01  BYTES-00                pic X(8).
       01  BYTES-55                pic X(8).
       01  BYTES-AA                pic X(8).
       01  BYTES-FF                pic X(8).

       01  ZERO-VALUE              pic 9       value 0.
       01  MINUS-ONE               pic S9      value -1.
       01  MINUS-ONE-X             redefines   MINUS-ONE
                                   pic X.
       01  POSITIVE-BIT-VALUE      pic X(8)    value '00000000'.
       01  NEGATIVE-BIT-VALUE      pic X(8)    value '00000000'.

       01  THREE-BYTES.
           05  PACK-03             pic S9(5)   comp-3  value 0.
       01  TWO-BYTES               pic X(2)    value '00'.
       01  EIGHT-BYTES             pic X(8)    value LOW-VALUES.

       01  THE-EASY-WAY.
           05  FILLER              pic X(9)    value 'Efficient'.
           05  FILLER              pic X(10)   value ', PACK-03 '.
           05  PACK-03-E1L         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value '-'.
           05  PACK-03-E1R         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value SPACE.
           05  PACK-03-E2L         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value '-'.
           05  PACK-03-E2R         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value SPACE.
           05  PACK-03-E3L         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value '-'.
           05  PACK-03-E3R         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X(13)   value ', UNPACKED-5='.
           05  UNPACKED-5          pic 9(5)    value 0.

       01  THE-HARD-WAY.
           05  FILLER              pic X(9)    value 'Difficult'.
           05  FILLER              pic X(10)   value ', PACK-03 '.
           05  PACK-03-H1L         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value '-'.
           05  PACK-03-H1R         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value SPACE.
           05  PACK-03-H2L         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value '-'.
           05  PACK-03-H2R         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value SPACE.
           05  PACK-03-H3L         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X       value '-'.
           05  PACK-03-H3R         pic X(4)    value SPACES.
           05  FILLER              pic X(13)   value ', FIVE-BYTES='.
           05  FIVE-BYTES          pic X(5)    value '00000'.

       01  ALPHABET-UPPER pic X(26) value 'ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ'.

       01  IX-1           pic 9(3) value 0.
       01  IX-2           pic 9(3) value 0.
       01  IX-3           pic 9(3) value 0.

      *****************************************************************
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.

           perform Z-POST-COPYRIGHT

           perform BYTES-TO-BITS-COMPRESS.

           perform BITS-TO-BYTES-EXPAND.

           perform ALPHABET-DUMP.

           perform COBOL-UNPACK.

           perform Z-THANK-YOU.

           move ZERO to RETURN-CODE

           GOBACK.

      *****************************************************************
       ALPHABET-DUMP.
           move 'Starting ALPHABET-DUMP Routine...' to MESSAGE-TEXT
           perform Z-POST-MESSAGE

           add 1 to ZERO giving IX-1
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           perform 26 times
               move ALPHABET-UPPER(IX-1:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
               call 'SIMOBITS' using BTS-PASS-AREA
               move 'Position nnn is x, the binary value is xxxx-xxxx'
                 to MESSAGE-TEXT
               move IX-1                to MESSAGE-TEXT(10:03)
               move BTS-PASS-BITS       to MESSAGE-TEXT(17:1)
               move BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4) to MESSAGE-TEXT(40:4)
               move BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4) to MESSAGE-TEXT(45:4)
               perform Z-POST-MESSAGE
               add 1 to IX-1
           end-perform
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
       BITS-TO-BYTES-EXPAND.
           move 'Starting BITS-TO-BYTES-EXPAND Routine...'
             to MESSAGE-TEXT
           perform Z-POST-MESSAGE

           move HEX-00 to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES to BYTES-00
           perform DISPLAY-BYTES

           move HEX-FF to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES to BYTES-FF
           perform DISPLAY-BYTES

           move HEX-55 to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES to BYTES-55
           perform DISPLAY-BYTES

           move HEX-AA to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES to BYTES-AA
           perform DISPLAY-BYTES

           exit.

      *****************************************************************
       BYTES-TO-BITS-COMPRESS.
           move 'Starting BYTES-TO-BITS-COMPRESS Routine...'
             to MESSAGE-TEXT
           perform Z-POST-MESSAGE

           move '00000000' to BTS-PASS-BYTES
           move REQUEST-4-COMPRESS to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'      using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BITS to HEX-00
           perform DISPLAY-BYTES

           move '11111111' to BTS-PASS-BYTES
           move REQUEST-4-COMPRESS to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'      using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BITS to HEX-FF
           perform DISPLAY-BYTES

           move '01010101' to BTS-PASS-BYTES
           move REQUEST-4-COMPRESS to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'      using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BITS to HEX-55
           perform DISPLAY-BYTES

           move '10101010' to BTS-PASS-BYTES
           move REQUEST-4-COMPRESS to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'      using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BITS to HEX-AA
           perform DISPLAY-BYTES

           exit.

      *****************************************************************
      * If you thought the UnPack was reserved for the mainframe      *
      * assembler programmers then take a look at the following       *
      * routine. The is a bit of an esoteric use of bit mainipulation *
      * but it does unpack a data string into a new data string.      *
      *                                                               *
      * A quicker and better way to unpack a field is as follows:     *
      *    ADD PACKED-FIELD TO ZERO GIVING UNPACKED-FIELD.            *
      *****************************************************************
       COBOL-UNPACK.
           move 'Starting the COBOL-UNPACK Routine...'
             to MESSAGE-TEXT
           perform Z-POST-MESSAGE

           add 615 to ZERO giving PACK-03

      *    Do the UNPACK the easy way...
           add PACK-03 to ZERO giving UNPACKED-5

      *    First, determine the bit configuration for zero to be
      *    used to set the left-nibble of the unpacked bytes.
      *    Then determine the negative sign bit configuration.
      *    This section of code is used so the program will run
      *    properly in both an EBCDIC and ASCII environment.
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           move ZERO-VALUE       to BTS-PASS-BITS
           call 'SIMOBITS'       using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES   to POSITIVE-BIT-VALUE

           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           move MINUS-ONE-X      to BTS-PASS-BITS
           call 'SIMOBITS'       using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES   to NEGATIVE-BIT-VALUE
           move '0000'           to NEGATIVE-BIT-VALUE(5:4)
      *    Do the UNPACK the esoteric way...
           move all '0' to FIVE-BYTES
           add 1 to ZERO giving IX-1
           add 1 to ZERO giving IX-2
           add 3 to ZERO giving IX-3
           perform until IX-3 = 1
               move REQUEST-4-EXPAND    to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
               move THREE-BYTES(IX-1:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
               call 'SIMOBITS'       using BTS-PASS-AREA
               move BTS-PASS-BYTES      to EIGHT-BYTES

               move REQUEST-4-COMPRESS  to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
               move POSITIVE-BIT-VALUE      to BTS-PASS-BYTES

               move EIGHT-BYTES(1:4)    to BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4)
               call 'SIMOBITS'       using BTS-PASS-AREA
               move BTS-PASS-BITS       to FIVE-BYTES(IX-2:1)
               add 1 to IX-2
               move EIGHT-BYTES(5:4)    to BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4)
               call 'SIMOBITS'       using BTS-PASS-AREA
               move BTS-PASS-BITS       to FIVE-BYTES(IX-2:1)
               subtract 1 from IX-3
               add 1 to IX-2
               add 1 to IX-1
           end-perform
           perform COBOL-UNPACK-UNITS.

      *    Display the results...
           perform COBOL-UNPACK-POST-EFFICIENT
           perform COBOL-UNPACK-POST-DIFFICULT

           move 'Finished the COBOL-UNPACK Routine...'
             to MESSAGE-TEXT
           perform Z-POST-MESSAGE

           exit.
      *---------------------------------------------------------------*
       COBOL-UNPACK-POST-DIFFICULT.
           move THREE-BYTES(1:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4) to PACK-03-H1L
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4) to PACK-03-H1R

           move THREE-BYTES(2:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4) to PACK-03-H2L
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4) to PACK-03-H2R

           move THREE-BYTES(3:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4) to PACK-03-H3L
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4) to PACK-03-H3R

           move THE-HARD-WAY to MESSAGE-TEXT
           perform Z-POST-MESSAGE
           exit.

      *---------------------------------------------------------------*
       COBOL-UNPACK-POST-EFFICIENT.
           move THREE-BYTES(1:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4) to PACK-03-E1L
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4) to PACK-03-E1R

           move THREE-BYTES(2:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4) to PACK-03-E2L
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4) to PACK-03-E2R

           move THREE-BYTES(3:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           call 'SIMOBITS'    using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4) to PACK-03-E3L
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4) to PACK-03-E3R

           move THE-EASY-WAY to MESSAGE-TEXT
           perform Z-POST-MESSAGE
           exit.

      *---------------------------------------------------------------*
       COBOL-UNPACK-UNITS.
           move REQUEST-4-EXPAND    to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           move THREE-BYTES(IX-1:1) to BTS-PASS-BITS
           call 'SIMOBITS'       using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES      to EIGHT-BYTES

           move REQUEST-4-COMPRESS  to BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           if  PACK-03 < 0
               move NEGATIVE-BIT-VALUE      to BTS-PASS-BYTES
           else
               move POSITIVE-BIT-VALUE      to BTS-PASS-BYTES
           end-if
           move EIGHT-BYTES(1:4)    to BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4)
      *    move EIGHT-BYTES(5:4)    to BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4)
           call 'SIMOBITS'       using BTS-PASS-AREA
           move BTS-PASS-BITS       to FIVE-BYTES(IX-2:1)
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
       DISPLAY-BYTES.
           move 'Binary value is '     to MESSAGE-TEXT(1:16)
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(1:4)    to MESSAGE-TEXT(17:4)
           move '-'                    to MESSAGE-TEXT(21:1)
           move BTS-PASS-BYTES(5:4)    to MESSAGE-TEXT(22:4)
           perform Z-POST-MESSAGE
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
      * The following Z-Routines perform administrative tasks         *
      * for this program.                                             *
      *****************************************************************

      *****************************************************************
       Z-POST-COPYRIGHT.
           display SIM-TITLE
           display SIM-COPYRIGHT
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
       Z-POST-MESSAGE.
           display MESSAGE-BUFFER
           move SPACES to MESSAGE-TEXT
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
       Z-THANK-YOU.
           display SIM-THANKS-01
           display SIM-THANKS-02
           exit.
      *****************************************************************
      *      This example is provided by SimoTime Enterprises         *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *****************************************************************

The COBOL Bit Manipulation Routine
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This program (SIMOBITS.CBL) was originally written to be used as a teaching and learning aid. It was first used in a production environment to replace a callable 370 assembler routine. Today, this program is used in a number of mainframe shops and it is the program of choice used by SimoTime. Also, the program has been tested and deployed on the PC with Mainframe Express or Net Express from Micro Focus.

       IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
       PROGRAM-ID.    SIMOBITS.
       AUTHOR.        SIMOTIME ENTERPRISES.
      *****************************************************************
      * Copyright (C) 1987-2012 SimoTime Enterprises.                 *
      *                                                               *
      * All rights reserved.  Unpublished, all rights reserved under  *
      * copyright law and international treaty.  Use of a copyright   *
      * notice is precautionary only and does not imply publication   *
      * or disclosure.                                                *
      *                                                               *
      * Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software  *
      * for any commercial purpose requires a fee to be paid to       *
      * SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime    *
      * the latest version of the software will be delivered and a    *
      * license will be granted for use within an enterprise,         *
      * provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies   *
      * of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used    *
      * in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the  *
      * software without the written permission of SimoTime           *
      * Enterprises.                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * Permission to use, copy and modify this software for any      *
      * non-commercial purpose and without fee is hereby granted,     *
      * provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies   *
      * of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used    *
      * in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the  *
      * software without the written permission of SimoTime           *
      * Enterprises.                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations     *
      * about the suitability of the software for any purpose. It is  *
      * provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty,   *
      * including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness  *
      * for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime       *
      * Enterprises shall not be liable for any direct, indirect,     *
      * special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of   *
      * use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or    *
      * tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or         *
      * performance of this software                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * SimoTime Enterprises                                          *
      * 15 Carnoustie Drive                                           *
      * Novato, CA 94949-5849                                         *
      * 415.883.6565                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND                                      *
      * Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject  *
      * to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of    *
      * the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at  *
      * DFARS 52.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of          *
      * Commercial  Computer Software - Restricted Rights  at 48      *
      * CFR 52.227-19, as applicable.  Contact SimoTime Enterprises,  *
      * 15 Carnoustie Drive, Novato, CA 94949-5849.                   *
      *                                                               *
      *****************************************************************
      *      This program is provided by SimoTime Enterprises         *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *                                                               *
      *****************************************************************
      *
      *****************************************************************
      * Source Member: SIMOBITS.CBL
      * Copy Files:    PASSBITS.CPY
      *****************************************************************
      *
      * SIMOBITS - A called routine for bit and byte conversions.
      *
      * CALLING PROTOCOL
      * ----------------
      * Use standard COBOL calling procedures.
      *
      * DESCRIPTION
      * -----------
      * This program will do Bit and Byte conversions.
      *
      ****************************************************************
      *
      * MAINTENANCE
      * -----------
      * 1989/02/27 Simmons, Created program.
      * 1989/02/27 Simmons, no changes to date
      *
      *****************************************************************
      *
       DATA DIVISION.
       WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
      *
      *****************************************************************
      *    Data-structure for Title and Copyright...
      *    ------------------------------------------------------------
       01  SIM-TITLE.
           05  T1 pic X(11) value '* SIMOBITS '.
           05  T2 pic X(34) value 'Convert between Bits and Bytes    '.
           05  T3 pic X(10) value ' v06.11.14'.
           05  T4 pic X(24) value ' http://www.simotime.com'.
       01  SIM-COPYRIGHT.
           05  C1 pic X(11) value '* SIMOBITS '.
           05  C2 pic X(20) value 'Copyright 1987-2012 '.
           05  C3 pic X(28) value '--- SimoTime Enterprises ---'.
           05  C4 pic X(20) value ' All Rights Reserved'.

       01  FIRST-TIME              pic X       value 'Y'.

       01  A-COMPILE-TIME          pic X       value 'A'.
       01  A-EBC                   pic X       value x'C1'.
       01  A-ASC                   pic X       value x'41'.

       01  COMPRESS                pic X(8)  value 'COMPRESS'.
       01  EXPAND                  pic X(8)  value 'EXPAND  '.
       01  BIT-ON                  pic 9     value 1.
       01  BIT-OFF                 pic 9     value 0.

       01  MESSAGE-BUFFER.
           05  MESSAGE-HEADER      pic X(11)   value '* SIMOBITS '.
           05  MESSAGE-TEXT        pic X(68).

       01  TWO-BYTES.
           05  TWO-BYTES-01        pic X.
           05  TWO-BYTES-02        pic X.
       01  TWO-BYTES-BINARY        redefines   TWO-BYTES
                                   pic S9(4)   binary.

       01  IX-1                    pic 99      value 0.
       01  REGISTER-1              pic S9(5)   value 0.
      *****************************************************************
       LINKAGE SECTION.
       COPY PASSBITS.

      *****************************************************************
       PROCEDURE DIVISION using BTS-PASS-AREA.

       MAIN-ROUTINE.
           move ZERO to BTS-PASS-RESULT

           if  FIRST-TIME not = 'N'
               perform Z-POST-COPYRIGHT
               move 'N' to FIRST-TIME
           end-if

           evaluate BTS-PASS-REQUEST
               when COMPRESS perform COMPRESS-BYTES
               when EXPAND   perform EXPAND-BITS
               when OTHER    perform INVALID-REQUEST
           end-evaluate

           add BTS-PASS-RESULT to ZERO giving RETURN-CODE

           GOBACK.

      *****************************************************************
       INVALID-REQUEST.
           display '* SIMOBITS, INVALID REQUEST, ' BTS-PASS-REQUEST
           add 16 to ZERO giving BTS-PASS-RESULT
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
      * Input:  BTS-PASS-BYTES, an eight byte field
      * Output: BTS-PASS-BITS, a one byte field (8-bits)
      *
      * For each byte that is a one in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field the
      * corresponding bit in the BTS-PASS-BITS field is set to ON (1)
      *
      * For each byte that is zero in the BTS-PASS-BYTES field the
      * corresponding bit in the BTS-PASS-BITS field is set to OFF (0).
      *
      * Example:
      * BTS-PASS-BYTES = '01010101' then BTS-PASS-BITS set to x'55'
      *****************************************************************
       COMPRESS-BYTES.
           subtract TWO-BYTES-BINARY from TWO-BYTES-BINARY
           add 1   to ZERO giving IX-1
           add 128 to ZERO giving REGISTER-1
           perform until IX-1 GREATER THAN 8
               if  BTS-PASS-BYTES(IX-1:1) = BIT-ON
                   add REGISTER-1 to TWO-BYTES-BINARY
               else
                   if  BTS-PASS-BYTES(IX-1:1) not = BIT-OFF
                       move '8-Byte string must be zeroes or ones...'
                         to MESSAGE-TEXT
                       perform Z-POST-MESSAGE
                       add 8 to IX-1
                       add 8 to ZERO giving BTS-PASS-RESULT
                   end-if
               end-if
               divide 2 INTO REGISTER-1
               add 1 to IX-1
           end-perform
           move TWO-BYTES-02 to BTS-PASS-BITS
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
      * Input:  BTS-PASS-BITS, a one byte field (8-bits)
      * OUTPUT: BTS-PASS-BYTES, an eight byte field
      *
      * For each bit that is on in BTS-PASS-BITS set the
      * corresponding byte in BTS-PASS-BYTES to a value of one.
      *
      * For each bit that is off in BTS-PASS-BITS set the
      * corresponding byte in BTS-PASS-BYTES to a value of zero.
      *
      * Example:
      * BTS-PASS-BITS = x'55' then BTS-PASS-BYTES will be '01010101'
      *****************************************************************
       EXPAND-BITS.
           subtract TWO-BYTES-BINARY from TWO-BYTES-BINARY
           add 1   to ZERO giving IX-1
           add 128 to ZERO giving REGISTER-1
           move BTS-PASS-BITS to TWO-BYTES-02
           perform 8 times
               if  TWO-BYTES-BINARY = REGISTER-1
               or  TWO-BYTES-BINARY > REGISTER-1
                   move BIT-ON to BTS-PASS-BYTES(IX-1:1)
                   subtract REGISTER-1 from TWO-BYTES-BINARY
               else
                   move BIT-OFF to BTS-PASS-BYTES(IX-1:1)
               end-if
               divide 2 INTO REGISTER-1
               add 1 to IX-1
           end-perform
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
      *    Display the Copyright data-structure...
      *    ------------------------------------------------------------
       Z-POST-COPYRIGHT.
           display SIM-TITLE      upon console
           display SIM-COPYRIGHT  upon console
           exit.
       Z-POST-MESSAGE.
           display MESSAGE-BUFFER upon console
           move SPACES to MESSAGE-TEXT
           exit.
      *****************************************************************
      *      This example is provided by SimoTime Enterprises         *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *****************************************************************

The Copy File for Linkage Data Areas
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This copy file (PASSBITS.CPY) provides a convenient method for defining the data areas (or fields) that are used to pass information between the demo program and the bit and byte conversion routine.

      *****************************************************************
      *                PASSBITS is a COBOL Copy File                  *
      *     Data Structure or Pass Area used for calling SIMOBITS.    *
      *         Copyright (C) 1987-2012 SimoTime Enterprises          *
      *                     All Rights Reserved                       *
      *****************************************************************
      *              Provided by SimoTime Enterprises                 *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *****************************************************************
      *
      * When BTS-PASS-REQUEST is 'EXPAND  ' then
      *      BTS-PASS-BITS (a 1-btye field of 8-bits) is analyzed
      *      and based on the bit settings a corresponding value of
      *      0 or 1 is set in the BTS-PASS-BYTES (an 8-byte field
      *      of zeroes and ones).
      *
      * When BTS-PASS-REQUEST is 'COMPRESS' then
      *      BTS-PASS-BYTES (an 8-byte field of zeroes and ones) is
      *      analyzed and based on a value of 0 or 1 the corresponding
      *      bit in BTS-PASS-BITS (a 1-byte field of 8-bits) is
      *      switched ON or OFF.
      *
       01  BTS-PASS-AREA.
           05  BTS-PASS-REQUEST            PIC X(8).
           05  BTS-PASS-RESULT             PIC S9(9)   COMP.
           05  BTS-PASS-RECORD.
               10  BTS-PASS-BITS           PIC X.
               10  BTS-PASS-BYTES.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-01    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-02    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-03    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-04    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-05    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-06    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-07    PIC X.
                   15  BTS-PASS-BYTE-08    PIC X.
      *
      ***  PASSBITS - End-of-Copy File - - - - - - - - - - - PASSBITS *
      *****************************************************************
      *

Summary
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The purpose of this document is to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers. In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This document and the links to other documents are intended to provide a choice of alternatives.

This suite of programs is provided as a COBOL programming example of one of the possible solutions to the problem of determining and changing the bits within a byte. This example uses an approach of converting the bit information in a single byte to or from an eight-byte field of COBOL accessible zeroes and ones.

Software Agreement and Disclaimer
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Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software, documentation or training material will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Enterprises.

SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Enterprises shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software, documentation or training material.

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
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This section includes links to documents with additional information that is beyond the scope and purpose of this document. The first sub-section requires an internet connection, the second sub-section references locally available documents.

Note:  A SimoTime License is required for the items to be made available on a local server.

Downloads and Links, Internet Access Required
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The following links will require an internet connect.

A good place to start is The SimoTime Home Page for access to white papers, program examples and product information.

You may download this example at  the download list of evaluation packages.

The callable COBOL program that does bit manipulation was originally an Assembler routine. An example that uses a callable Assembler routine is available. Refer to  Assembler does Bit Manipulation example for more information.

Explore The ASCII and EBCDIC translation tables. These tables are provided for individuals that need to better understand the bit structures and differences of the encoding formats.

Explore The File Status Return Codes to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and QSAM files.

Explore The Micro Focus Web Site for more information about products and services available from Micro Focus.

Downloads and Links, Local Access
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The following links may be accessible without an internet connection.

Explore The File Status Return Codes to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and QSAM files.

Glossary of Terms
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Check out  The SimoTime Glossary  for a list of terms and definitions used in the documents provided by SimoTime.

Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
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This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Enterprises.

If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or feedback please call or send an e-mail to: helpdesk@simotime.com

We appreciate hearing from you.

Company Overview
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Founded in 1987, SimoTime Enterprises is a privately owned company. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. This includes the smallest thin client using the Internet and the very large mainframe systems. There is more to making the Internet work for your company's business than just having a nice looking WEB site. It is about combining the latest technologies and existing technologies with practical business experience. It's about the business of doing business and looking good in the process. Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems.

Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com


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COBOL Bit Processing, Bit Manipulation
Copyright © 1987-2012 SimoTime Enterprises  All Rights Reserved
When technology complements business
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