Guardian Procedure Calls Reference Manual

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
Tab absolute to nth character positionTn
Tab rightTRn
Tab leftTLn
Tab right (same as TR)nX
• Literals
Alphanumeric string enclosed in apostrophes (') or quotation marks (")
Hollerith descriptor (nH followed by n characters)
• Scale factor specification
Implied decimal point in a numberP
• Optional plus control
These descriptors provide control of the appearance of an optional plus sign for output
formatting. They have no effect on input.
Do not supply a plusS
Supply a plusSP
Do not supply a plusSS
• Blank interpretation control
Blanks ignored (unless entire field is blank)BN
Blanks treated as zerosBZ
• Buffer control
Terminate the current buffer, and then obtain a new one/
Terminate formatting if no data elements remain:
1550 Formatter Edit Descriptors