Can we display Comp-3 variables COBOL?

In the below file, the last 2 Bytes are COMP-3 Data. You read the Hexa-decimal value in a top-down fashion. 3. You may also DISPLAY this in COBOL, by first MOVE’ing the data to a Numeric-Edited DISPLAY Format Variable.

How many bytes is a Comp-3 field?

To calculate the byte-length of a comp-3 field, start with the total number of digits and divide by 2 giving a result (discarding the remainder if any), then add 1 to the result. So, a field with “pic s9(6) comp-3” would take 4 bytes (6/2 +1).

Why do we use comp-3 in COBOL?

COBOL Comp-3 is a binary field type that puts (“packs”) two digits into each byte, using a notation called Binary Coded Decimal, or BCD. This halves the storage requirements compared to a character, or COBOL “display”, field.

Can Comp-3 be converted to numeric?

You cannot move a COMP-3 variable to alphanumeric directly. It will not give a SOC7 error but will you give you a return code 12 stating that comp-3 and alphanumeric variables did not follow the move compatibility rule. 01 A1 PIC S9(4) COMP-3 VALUE 1234.

What is the difference between comp and comp3 in COBOL?

Comp is a binary usage, while comp-3 indicates packed decimal. The other common usages are binary and display. Display is the default. 3/28/00 Dave Herrmann: ‘I was reading your FAQ on Cobol, as an fyi Comp is defined as the fastest/preferred numeric data type for the machine it runs on.

How is Comp-3 stored?

COMP-3 is the equivalent of PACKED-DECIMAL. COMP-3 can have a value not exceeding 18 decimal digits. COMP-3 data stored in memory higher to lower in the size of nibble (4 bits). i.e. The upper nibble stores the most significant digit and lower nibble stores the next digit and the upper nibble stores the next digit etc.

What is 88 level used for in Cobol?

Level-number 88 designates a condition-name entry. Level 88s are used to assign names to values at execution time. Thus, a condition-name is not the name of an item, but rather the name of a value. A level 88 doesn’t reserve any storage area.

What is 77 level used for in Cobol?

77 Level Number Uses, significance:77 is a special Level number in COBOL which is used to declare the Individual Elementary data items. Of course, Individual elementary data items can be declared using 01 level but 77 declared fields does not allow any sub ordinate data field declarations.

What is the difference between Comp and Comp-3?

Comp is a binary usage, while comp-3 indicates packed decimal. The other common usages are binary and display. Display is the default. IBM Mainframes are typically binary and AS400’s are packed.

What is 88 level used for in COBOL?

What is the purpose of 77 level number?

What is the sign of a COBOL comp-3 field?

In COBOL comp-3 fields (and in most other languages) this nybble is reserved for the sign whether or not the field is denoted as a signed field in the COBOL PIC. Comp-3 packed fields are aligned on byte boundaries, and the field is always a whole number of bytes. The sign nybble is always the low nybble of the LSD (least significant digit).

When to ignore the upper nybble in COBOL?

If the size of the field is specified as an even number of digits, as in “PIC S9 (6) comp-3.”, the upper nybble is ignored and is usually, but not always, set to zero. Comp-3 fields are denoted in COBOL with the “usage is” clause after the PIC, like this:

Which is a packed decimal field in COBOL?

The COBOL “Comp-3” Data Type (also called “Computational-3”, “Packed Decimal”, or “Packed”) COBOL Comp-3 is a binary field type that puts (“packs”) two digits into each byte, using a notation called Binary Coded Decimal, or BCD. This halves the storage requirements compared to a character, or COBOL “display”, field. Comp-3 is a common data type,…

How many bytes do you need for comp in COBOL?

In addition, most compilers have some minimum requirements for comp storage. For example, the smallest unit of storage may be 2 bytes, so even if you specify PIC 9 (only 1 digit), the compiler will reserve two bytes. Also see Synchronization and Alignment below.