Specifying Constant Values

Chapter 4-3: Specifying Statements

You can use constant values in certain ILF statements where a field name is allowed. You leave the application ID blank when specifying a constant value. Because there are different types of fields included within an APPX application, you need to understand exactly how to specify each data type as a constant value.

APPX stores or communicates data in any of three formats, and automatically translates between these formats as appropriate. The three data representations are:

· The external or display format communicates data to an application user. This format includes characters such as $, -, and #, which often provide a more meaningful presentation to a user.

· The internal or stored format allows APPX to store and manage data in a specified (and usually optimum) manner. For example, you may choose to store a numeric money field in packed decimal format.

· The universal format allows you to reference a field within the context of ILF statements, regardless of how the data is stored or displayed.

Use the universal format to specify constants as fields within statements.

APPX Application Design Manual (01/13/03)