5.3.14 "COBOL Language Reference" IBM Library Server

5.3.14 SIGN Clause

The SIGN clause specifies the position and mode of representation of the operational sign for a numeric entry.


    ___ Format _____________________________________________________________ 
   |                                                                        |
   | >>__ ______________ __ _LEADING__ __ _________________________ _____>< |
   |     |_SIGN__ ____ _|  |_TRAILING_|  |_SEPARATE__ ___________ _|        |
   |             |_IS_|                              |_CHARACTER_|          |
   |                                                                        |
   |________________________________________________________________________|

The SIGN clause can be specified only for a signed numeric data description entry (that is, one whose PICTURE character-string contains an S), or for a group item that contains at least one such elementary entry. USAGE IS DISPLAY must be specified, explicitly or implicitly.

If a SIGN clause is specified in either an elementary or group entry subordinate to a group item for which a SIGN clause is specified, the SIGN clause for the subordinate entry takes precedence for the subordinate entry.

If you specify the CODE-SET clause in an FD entry, any signed numeric data description entries associated with that file description entry must be described with the SIGN IS SEPARATE clause.

The SIGN clause is required only when an explicit description of the properties and/or position of the operational sign is necessary.

When specified, the SIGN clause defines the position and mode of representation of the operational sign for the numeric data description entry to which it applies, or for each signed numeric data description entry subordinate to the group to which it applies.

If the SEPARATE CHARACTER phrase is not specified, then:

The operational sign is presumed to be associated with the LEADING or TRAILING digit position, whichever is specified, of the elementary numeric data item. (In this instance, specification of SIGN IS TRAILING is the equivalent of the standard action of the compiler.)
The character S in the PICTURE character string is not counted in determining the size of the item (in terms of standard data format characters).

If the SEPARATE CHARACTER phrase is specified, then:

The operational sign is presumed to be the LEADING or TRAILING character position, whichever is specified, of the elementary numeric data item. This character position is not a digit position.
The character S in the PICTURE character string is counted in determining the size of the data item (in terms of standard data format characters).
+ is the character used for the positive operational sign.
- is the character used for the negative operational sign.

X The SEPARATE CHARACTER phrase cannot be specified for a date field.

Every numeric data description entry whose PICTURE contains the symbol S is a signed numeric data description entry. If the SIGN clause is also specified for such an entry, and conversion is necessary for computations or comparisons, the conversion takes place automatically.

X The SIGN clause is treated as documentation for external floating-point
X items. For internal floating-point items, the SIGN clause must not be
X specified.

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5.3.14 SIGN Clause

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