The
standard alignment rules define how characters are positioned in a data item when the item is receiving data. Positioning depends on the category
of the
receiving item.
- For a numeric receiving item, the data is aligned by decimal point. Truncation or zero fill occurs as necessary. If no decimal
point is explicitly stated, then the item is treated as if it had a decimal point after its rightmost character.
- For a numeric edited item, the data is aligned by decimal point with zero fill or truncation as needed. Editing requirements
can replace leading zeros with some other symbol.
- For alphabetic, alphanumeric, and alphanumeric edited items, the data is aligned at the leftmost character position in the
item. Space fill or truncation occurs on the right as needed.
The JUSTIFIED clause can change the standard alignment rules. For details, see the JUSTIFIED clause in JUSTIFIED Clause. The
--TruncANSI compile option alters the truncation rules for COMP-5 items. See Truncation Options in the ACUCOBOL-GT User’s Guide for more information.