Guardian Procedure Calls Reference Manual (G06.25+)

Guardian Procedure Calls Reference Manual—522629-013
F-1
F Formatter Edit Descriptors
This appendix describes edit descriptors, which are specified as input values to the
FORMATCONVERT procedure.
Edit descriptors are of two types: those that specify the conversion of data values
(repeatable) and those that do not (nonrepeatable). The effect of repeatable edit
descriptors can be altered through the use of modifiers or decorations, which are
enclosed in brackets ([ ]), preceding the edit descriptors to which they refer. Within a
format, all edit descriptors except buffer control descriptors must be separated by
commas. Buffer control descriptors have the dual function of edit descriptors and
format separators, and need not be set off by commas.
Summary of Edit Descriptors
All the descriptors, modifiers, and decorations are summarized here and fully explained
following this summary.
Summary of Nonrepeatable Edit Descriptors
The edit descriptors that are not associated with data items are of six subtypes:
•
Tabulation
T
n Tab absolute to nth character position
TR
n Tab right
TL
n Tab left
nX Tab right (same as TR)
•
Literals
Alphanumeric string enclosed in apostrophes (’) or quotation marks (”)
Hollerith descriptor (
nH followed by n characters)
•
Scale factor specification
P Implied decimal point in a number
•
Optional plus control
These descriptors provide control of the appearance of an optional plus sign for
output formatting. They have no effect on input.
S Do not supply a plus
SP Supply a plus
SS Do not supply a plus
•
Blank interpretation control
BN Blanks ignored (unless entire field is blank)
BZ Blanks treated as zeros