INLINE

The INLINE option controls whether the inlining of procedures (paragraphs or sections) referenced by PERFORM statements in the source program is allowed.

Syntax

Default is: INLINE=YES

YES: If you specify INLINE=YES, when OPTIMIZE(1) or OPTIMIZE(2) is in effect, the compiler can inline procedures referenced by PERFORM statements in the source program. INLINE is a potential performance-boosting option. Note that INLINE was always in effect in COBOL 5.
NO: If you specify INLINE=NO, the compiler is prevented from inlining¹ procedures referenced by PERFORM statements in the source program, regardless of the optimization level in effect. INLINE=NO should only be set as the default if a particular reason has been identified to eliminate all inlining of PERFORM statements in programs. This is rare and not recommended.
Note:
1. The word inlining here implies that the compiler might choose to replace the PERFORM of a procedure (paragraph or section) with a copy of that procedure's code. By inserting the procedure code at the location of the PERFORM, the compiler saves the overhead of branching logic to and from the procedure.