---
title: "Why do We need to Sort Table Prior to COBOL SEARCH ALL"
description: "Why table should be sorted for SEARCH ALL . The simple and informative post highly helpful to all COBOL developers."
url: https://srinimf.com/2016/11/08/why-sorting-is-needed-for-search-all/
date: 2016-11-08
modified: 2026-10-10
author: "Srini"
image: https://i0.wp.com/srinimf.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/norway-mountain-sky-blue-e1535287763653.jpg?fit=500%2C333&ssl=1
categories: ["COBOL"]
tags: ["Why sorting need in COBOL Search all"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Why do We need to Sort Table Prior to COBOL SEARCH ALL

## COBOL [Search All](https://srinimf.com/2015/10/02/cobol-search-and-search-all-differences/)

Search is binary, so the table must be [in sort](https://srinimf.com/2015/05/12/jcl-include-omit-examples/)ed condition. As many as twelve keys you can give in **SEARCH ALL.** The total size of all the keys should not exceed 256 bytes.

![COBOL SEARCH ALL: Here's Why Table Sorting Needed](https://i0.wp.com/srinimf.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/pexels-photo-7693914.jpeg?resize=914%2C1300&ssl=1)*Photo by Marta Dzedyshko on [Pexels.com](https://www.pexels.com/photo/bouquet-of-peonies-placed-in-glass-vase-on-windowsill-7693914/)*

According to computerhope.com – A binary search, also known as a **half-interval search, is an algorithm used i[n computer](https://srinimf.com/2014/03/23/get-mobile-n-computer-parts/) science [to locate](https://srinimf.com/2014/09/04/db2-functions-posstr-and-locate/) a specified value ( key) within an array**. For the search to be binary, the array must be sorted in either ascending or descending order.

**Also read**

- [5 COBOL Frequently Asked Interview Questions](https://srinimf.com/2014/08/07/5-best-cobol-questions-and-solutions/)DateAugust 7, 2014
- [Best Example for COBOL SEARCH and WHEN Condition](https://srinimf.com/2016/01/06/best-example-for-cobol-search-and-when-condition/)DateJanuary 6, 2016
- [Search Vs Search all in COBOL: Top Differences](https://srinimf.com/2015/10/02/cobol-search-and-search-all-differences/)DateOctober 2, 2015

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