Universal Data Formats

Chapter 4-3: Specifying Statements

Each of the four basic data types has its own universal format which is used for specifying constants within ILF statement and is described below:

· A numeric constant consists of digits, an optional decimal point, an optional trailing or leading minus sign, or a blank for a null entry. A plus sign is implied for positive numbers but is not allowed as a symbol. Currency signs, such as $, are not allowed.

· A date/time constant consists of a mandatory series of 16 digits (or hyphens, as described below), or a blank for a null entry. The 16 digits incorporate eight sets of two digits each that represent, from left to right, century, year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and hundreds of a second. To indicate that a particular part of a complete date/time format should be ignored in a comparison or operation, you can enter a pair of hyphens in the appropriate positions. For example, you would enter December 31^st as “----1231--------”.

· An alphanumeric constant consists of any combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Leading, embedded, or trailing spaces are allowed. Leading and embedded spaces are treated as significant for comparison purposes.

· A logic constant is one that contains the answer to a “yes/no” question, such as, “Is this a domestic customer?” The valid values for a logic-type field within an ILF statement are:

· The number 1 or the letter Y is equivalent to yes or affirmative or .

· The number 0 or the letter N is equivalent to no or negative or .

· A blank (space) is equivalent to an unknown response or . It means the answer is not known or that the field value is not filled in yet.

APPX Application Design Manual (01/13/03)