5.3.11 "COBOL Language Reference" IBM Library Server

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:

For index data items or the subject of the RENAMES clause
In descriptions of items described with USAGE IS INDEX
X For USAGE IS POINTER, USAGE IS PROCEDURE-POINTER, or USAGE IS OBJECT
X REFERENCE data items
X For internal floating-point data items

Subtopics:

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5.3.11 PICTURE Clause

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