7.1.1.1 "COBOL Language Reference" IBM Library Server

7.1.1.1 Function Definition and Evaluation

The class and characteristics of a function, and the number and types of arguments it requires, are determined by its function definition. These characteristics include:

For some functions, the class and characteristics are determined by the arguments to the function
For alphanumeric functions, the size of the returned value
For numeric and integer functions, the sign of the returned value, and whether the function is integer
The actual value returned by the function

The evaluation of any intrinsic function is not affected by the context in which it appears; in other words, function evaluation is not affected by operations or operands outside the function. However, evaluation of a function can be affected by the attributes of its arguments.

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

7.1.1.1 Function Definition and Evaluation

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