ENVIRONMENT DIVISION Meaning and
Definition
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The environment division is a section or part of computer programming languages that is responsible for defining and specifying the attributes, characteristics, and behaviors of the computer system or environment where a program is executed. It acts as a bridge between the program and the operating system or system software. The environment division is typically found in high-level programming languages such as COBOL.
In the environment division, various system-level parameters, settings, and resources are defined, enabling the program to interact with the computer environment effectively. These include specification of the input and output devices, file handling parameters, error handling procedures, and other system-specific requirements.
The environment division allows programmers to provide necessary instructions and configurations for the program to run efficiently on different environments or machines. It defines the initial setup and environment requirements for the program execution. By defining and organizing these environment-related variables and information, the environment division helps in optimizing program execution and enhancing program portability.
Overall, the environment division plays a crucial role in laying the foundation of how a computer program interacts with the underlying operating system or system software and defines the necessary resources to make the program operate seamlessly within a specific environment.
Etymology of ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
The word "environment division" is primarily used in the context of computer programming, specifically in COBOL (an early programming language). It refers to a section of code that defines the operating environment for a program.
The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Environment: The word "environment" comes from the Old French environnement, which evolved from the Latin word environare, meaning "to encircle" or "to surround". It gradually developed a broader meaning related to the surroundings or conditions in which something exists or operates.
2. Division: In the context of programming languages like COBOL, a "division" refers to a distinct section or segment of code that serves a specific purpose. It is derived from the Latin word divisio, meaning "a division" or "a separating".
