j4020144

Subject:
Author:

(D-4) Clarify FORMAT clause GR2c3e
Charles C. Stevens

References:

1. December 2001 Draft Standard
2. J4/01-0376/99

http://www.cobolstandard.info/j4010376.htm

(Klein/Josling)

Discussion
The current General Rule 2c3e for the FORMAT clause is ambiguous as to which implicit data-
description-entry is usaed depending on what value is represented by the floating-point literal used as

the source for a WRITE … FROM or REWRITE … FROM statement.

Proposed Changes:

1)

Page 286, 13.16.22.3, FORMAT clause, General Rule 2c3: Replace all text for subrule 3e with
the following:

e.

If the literal is a floating-point literal, the implicit data-description-entry shall be as floows,
depending on the magnitude of the literal:

If either the magnitude or the precision of the floating-point literal is greater than the
implementor defines for a data item declared USAGE IS FLOAT-LONG, the implicit data-

description-entry shall be

01
If in addition either the magnitude or the precision is greater than the implementor defines
for a data item declared USAGE IS FLOAT-EXTENDED, the compiler shall issue a syntax

USAGE IS FLOAT_EXTENDED.

warning.

If either the magnitude or the precision of the floating-point literal is greater than the
implementor defines for a data item declared USAGE IS FLOAT-SHORT but not than

defined for a data item declared USAGE IS FLOAT-EXTENDED, the implicit data-
description-entry shall be

01 USAGE IS FLOAT-LONG.

If neither the magnitude nor the precision of the floating-point literal is greater than the
implementor defines for a data item declared USAGE IS FLOAT-SHORT, the implicit data-
description-entry shall be

01 USAGE IS FLOAT-SHORT.

2) Page 681, B.1, Implementor-defined language element list, add the following entry: 65a)
FORMAT clause (floating-point literal as a source in a WRITE or REWRITE statement with the FROM
clause): The implicit data description-entry for a floating-point literal used as literal-1 n a WRITE or

REWIRTE statement with a FROM clause is dependent on the implementor’s definition of the
maximum precision and magnitude allowed in data items of USAGE FLOAT-SHORT, FLOAT-LONG

and FLOAT-EXTENDED (13.16.22, FORMAT clause, general rule 2c3e; 13.16.58.3, USAGE clause,
general rules 12 and 13).

RESOLVED ISSUES: None.

OPEN ISSUES: None.