Library View Topics Framed Contents Revised Topics Previous Topic Next Topic Search Search ResultsPrevious Topic MatchNext Topic Match Notes List Notes Print Download No PDF Handheld DisconnectedHandheld ConnectedHelp

5.3.11 PICTURE Clause



The PICTURE clause specifies the general characteristics and editing requirements of an elementary item.


    ___ Format _____________________________________________________________ 
   |                                                                        |
   | >>__ _PICTURE_ __ ____ __character-string___________________________>< |
   |     |_PIC_____|  |_IS_|                                                |
   |                                                                        |
   |________________________________________________________________________|
PICTURE or PIC
The PICTURE clause must be specified for every elementary item except an index data item or the subject of the RENAMES clause. In these cases, use of this clause is prohibited.

The PICTURE clause can be specified only at the elementary level.

PIC is an abbreviation for PICTURE and has the same meaning.

character-string
PICTURE character-string is made up of certain COBOL characters used as symbols. The allowable combinations determine the category of the elementary data item.

The PICTURE character-string can contain a maximum of 30 characters.

The PICTURE clause is not allowed:

Subtopics:



Previous Topic Next Topic © Copyright IBM Corp. 1991, 1998

IBM Library Server Copyright 1989, 2005 IBM Corporation. All rights reserved.





Return to library:   z/OS | z/OS.e | TPF | z/VSE | z/VM | IBM Hardware | IBM System z Redbooks
Glossary:   IBM terminology
Publications:   How to order publications
Readers:   Download IBM Library Reader | Download IBM Softcopy Reader | Download Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®
Library management:   Download IBM Softcopy Librarian
Contacts:   Contact z/OS


Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat, the Acrobat logo, and Acrobat Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems incorporated.