The exec keyword, which begins all embedded SQL statements, can begin anywhere on the source line. However, you must code comment indicators, represented by the asterisk ( * ), in column 1 or in the COBOL indicator area (column 7). All coded string continuation indicators also belong in the COBOL indicator area.

Comment and string literals are discussed in detail later in this section.

For portability to other implementations of SQL, you should not code beyond column 72.