What does PIC X mean in COBOL?
The layout of each field in a COBOL record is precisely specified by a PICTURE (usually abbreviated PIC ) clause. The most common ones are: PIC X for strings. PIC X(100) means a 100-byte string. PIC 9 for numbers, optionally with S (sign) or V (implicit decimal point).
What is space in COBOL?
SPACE, SPACES. Represents one or more blanks or spaces. SPACE is treated as an alphanumeric literal when used in a context that requires an alphanumeric character, as a DBCS literal when used in a context that requires a DBCS character, as a national literal when used in a context that requires a national character.
What is PIC clause in COBOL?
COBOL – Picture Clause The Picture clause is used to specify the type and size of an elementary data item. It consists of the word PIC or PICTURE followed by the actual picture clause, where the type and size are specified. The type is specified using a specific character selected from the table below.
What is renames clause in COBOL with example?
COBOL Renames clause is used to regroup the elementary data items and gives them an alternative name. This is a logical grouping of the elementary data items which are defined in a sequential order.It is useful for renaming by overlapping elementary elements. 66 Level number is used for defining it. ex: 01 WW-VAR1.
What is PIC S9 in COBOL?
PIC S9(n) USAGE IS PACKED-DECIMAL. FIXED DECIMAL(n) PIC S9(n) USAGE IS COMPUTATIONAL-3. FIXED DECIMAL(n) PIC X(n) USAGE IS DISPLAY.
How do you check if a value is low in COBOL?
How to Check ‘Comp Variable’ for Spaces and Low-Values
- COBOL Definition for Comp* Here I use comp-4 to demonstrate. 01 COUNTERS.
- COBOL MOVE Statement. MOVE WS_COUNT TO MY_DATA.
- Resolution to Check for Spaces and Low-Values. IF WS_COUNT_X SPACES or LOW_VALUES MOVE ZEROS TO MY_DATA ELSE MOVE WS_COUNT TO MY_DATA END-IF.
How do you find space parameters?
U can calculate the Space Parameter = No of records * record length, which gives u Total Bytes occupied by the File. From this u allocate the File using TRKS. Quote: U can calculate the Space Parameter = No of records * record length, which gives u Total Bytes occupied by the File.
What do you mean by picture clause?
The PICTURE clause describes the general characteristics and editing formats of an elementary item.
What is the difference between renames and redefines in terms of storage?
RENAMES clause is used for regrouping elementary data items and gives one name to it. REDEFINES clause allows you to use different data descriptions entries to describe the same memory area.
What is PICTURE clause in COBOL?
COBOL – Picture Clause 1 The Picture clause is used to specify the type and size of an elementary data item. 2 It consists of the word PIC or PICTURE followed by the actual picture clause, where the type and size are specified. 3 The type is specified using a specific character selected from the table below.
What is a COBOL layout?
A COBOL layout is comprised of a line for each fieldor group. A COBOL field definition gives the level(discussed later), field name, and a “picture”, or PICclause, which tells you the data typeor data categoryof the field, and its size. The three data types you are likely to see are: “A” for alpha (A-Z, a-z, and space only).
What is the value of sex in COBOL?
05 SEX PIC X. 88 MALE VALUE “M”. 88 FEMALE VALUE “F”. This equates the value “M” with “MALE”, and the value “F” with “FEMALE” for the field SEX. (This allows your COBOL program to, for example, test IF MALE rather than having to say IF SEX IS EQUAL TO “M”).
How to find the level of a COBOL field definition?
You can usually find your place in the layout from the 01 level, which normally starts in column 8. All other levels should start in column 12 or above. A COBOL field definition does not need to be entirely on one line. A line-ending has no significance to the compiler; it’s the period at the end that’s…