file-name-3,...

The output files.

When the GIVING phrase is specified, all the sorted records in file-name-1 are automatically transferred to the output files (file-name-3,...).

All output files must be described in FD entries in the Data Division.

If the output files (file-name-3,...) contain variable-length records, the size of the records contained in file-name-1 must not be less than the smallest record nor greater than the largest record described for the output files. If the output files contain fixed-length records, the size of the records contained in file-name-1 must not be greater than the largest record described for the output files. For more information, see the IBM COBOL Programming Guide for your platform.

At the time the SORT statement is executed, the output files (file-name-3,...) must not be open. For each of the output files, the execution of the SORT statement causes the following actions to be taken:

• The processing of the file is initiated. The initiation is performed as if an OPEN statement with the OUTPUT phrase had been executed.

• The sorted logical records are returned and written onto the file. Each record is written as if a WRITE statement without any optional phrases had been executed.
  For a relative file, the relative key data item for the first record returned contains the value '1'; for the second record returned, the value '2', etc.. After execution of the SORT statement, the content of the relative key data item indicates the last record returned to the file.

• The processing of the file is terminated. The termination is performed as if a CLOSE statement without optional phrases had been executed.

These implicit functions are performed such that any associated USE AFTER EXCEPTION/ERROR procedures are executed; however, the execution of such a USE procedure must not cause the execution of any statement manipulating the file referenced by, or accessing the record area associated with, file-name-3. On the first attempt to write beyond the externally defined boundaries of the file, any USE AFTER STANDARD EXCEPTION/ERROR procedure specified for the file is executed. If control is returned from that USE procedure or if no such USE procedure is specified, the processing of the file is terminated.

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