DIN 66028 1986-08 PDF

Full title and description

DIN 66028:1986-08 — Informationsverarbeitung; Programmiersprache COBOL. German adoption of the international COBOL programming language standard (text available in German and English); identical in content with ISO 1989 (edition 1985). The document specifies the syntax, semantics and modular structure of COBOL to promote machine independence and program exchange between data processing systems.

Abstract

This standard defines the COBOL programming language as an international, standardized language for business-oriented data processing. It sets out the formal language syntax and semantic rules, the structure of compilation groups and run units, the language elements required for conforming implementations, and the processor-dependent elements whose behavior may vary. DIN 66028:1986-08 implements ISO 1989:1985 text within the German standards framework and was published as the DIN edition of that international standard.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (recorded withdrawal in 2006; superseded by later international COBOL standards).
• Publication date: August 1, 1986 (edition 1986-08).
• Publisher: Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN).
• ICS / categories: 35.060 — Languages used in information technology (programming languages).
• Edition / version: 1986-08 (German adoption of ISO 1989:1985).
• Number of pages: Approximately 408 pages (printed/PDF edition).

Scope

Specifies the COBOL programming language for business data processing: language form and structure, allowed source constructs, modules and intrinsic function modules, compilation-group semantics, run-time behavior and obligations for conforming implementations. The scope covers the language definition necessary to enable exchange of COBOL programs between systems, while noting those elements left implementation- or processor-dependent.

Key topics and requirements

• Formal syntax and semantic specification of COBOL language elements (program structure, data description, procedures).
• Definition of compilation groups, run units and program linking/binding behavior.
• Modules and modular decomposition of the language, including intrinsic function modules (amendments later addressed additional function modules).
• Rules for input/output, file handling and record structures as relevant to business applications.
• Conformance statements: elements required of a conforming implementation and elements with explicitly undefined meaning.
• Processor-dependent features and portability guidance to support program exchange between systems.

Typical use and users

Used by compiler and tool implementers, system integrators, mainframe and legacy application maintainers, software configuration managers, technical authors and educators working with COBOL. Organizations maintaining or migrating legacy business systems consult the standard for language conformance, portability decisions and to interpret language behavior across different COBOL implementations.

Related standards

ISO 1989 (Programming language COBOL) and subsequent ISO/IEC revisions (2002, 2014, 2023); ANSI X3.23 COBOL standards and amendments; EN 21989 (European adoption/amendments); DIN 66028 amendment documents (A1:1994, A2:1995) addressing intrinsic functions and corrections; related DIN standards on software documentation and data documentation (for example DIN 66220 series and DIN 66230–66232 family).

Keywords

COBOL, programming language, DIN 66028, ISO 1989, ANSI X3.23, language specification, intrinsic functions, structured COBOL, legacy systems, portability, data processing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: DIN 66028:1986-08 is the German adoption of the international COBOL language specification (ISO 1989:1985). It formally defines the COBOL programming language for business data processing and program exchange.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the syntax and semantics of COBOL, compilation-group and run-unit definitions, language modules (including intrinsic function modules addressed in amendments), I/O and file handling constructs, conformance requirements, and notes on processor-dependent elements that affect portability.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Compiler and tool developers, maintainers of COBOL-based legacy systems (mainframe and enterprise environments), software architects planning migrations, technical writers, and educators teaching COBOL standards and portability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: DIN 66028:1986-08 has been withdrawn from the DIN catalogue (withdrawal recorded in 2006) and the COBOL language standard has since been maintained and updated by ISO/IEC (later editions and amendments culminating in subsequent ISO/IEC 1989 editions). For current COBOL language requirements refer to the most recent ISO/IEC 1989 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. DIN 66028 is part of the DIN and international suite of standards specifying COBOL and its amendments (DIN 66028 main text plus amendments A1 and A2), and it relates to the broader ISO/IEC 1989 series and other DIN standards on software documentation and data processing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: COBOL; programming language; language specification; portability; ISO 1989; ANSI X3.23; intrinsic functions; DIN; legacy systems.