Avoiding Unwanted Buffer Dumps

Buffer dumps should be used for debugging purposes only. Avoid unnecessary dumps by observing the following precautions:

Test the value of any input field that could be zero (0) and used as a divisor. Code should include a branch around the division when the divisor equals zero (0). The result should be set to zero.
Use a work field in place of an input field that could be nonnumeric and used in calculations. Move the work field as the program logic dictates.
Sort match files in the same sequence. Match keys must be in ascending sequence.
Use the BRANCH to HEAD instruction only when absolutely necessary to avoid the creation of additional records in the extract file.