The WRITE statement

The WRITE statement releases a logical record for insertion in an output file. Here is the general format of the WRITE statement:

WRITE record-name [FROM identifier-1]

[ {BEFORE | AFTER} ADVANCING

{ {identifier-2 | integer | PAGE | mnemonic-name}

[ LINE | LINES ]

}

]

ADVANCING option

If the output is to a printer device, vertical positioning of lines can be achieved using the ADVANCING option. The option allows the programmer to refer to identifier-2, an integer, or PAGE.

• If the identifier-2 option is used, the printer page is advanced the number of lines equal to the current value of identifier-2. If used, the identifier-2 must be the name of a nonnegative numeric elementary item described as an integer whose value is less than 100 (so you could choose PIC 9 for single digit values or PIC 99 for 2-digit values). Zero may be used to cause overprinting for special effects such as underlining or bold.
• If the integer option is used, the printer page is advanced the number of lines equal to the value of the integer coded in the statement. The integer must be a nonnegative value less than 100. Zero may be used to cause overprinting for special effects such as underlining or bold.
• If PAGE is used, the equivalent of a form feed is performed, advancing the page to the beginning of the next logical form.

Here is an example of the use of identifer-2 with the advancing option to cause the first detail line to be printed double-spaced. Then, all lines after the first will be printed single-spaced:

In the WORKING-STORAGE SECTION:

02 VAR-SPACING PIC 9 VALUE 2.

In the PROCEDURE DIVISION:

WRITE PRINT-LINE FROM DETAIL-LINE

AFTER ADVANCING VAR-SPACING

MOVE 1 TO VAR-SPACING