The SIGN clause specifies the position and mode of representation of the operational sign for a numeric entry.
SIGN Clause - Format
>>-+--------------+--+-LEADING--+------------------------------->
'-SIGN--+----+-' '-TRAILING-'
'-IS-'
>--+-------------------------+---------------------------------><
'-SEPARATE--+-----------+-'
'-CHARACTER-'
The SIGN clause may be specified only for a signed numeric data description entry (that is, one whose PICTURE character-string contains an S), or for a group item that contains at least one such elementary entry. USAGE IS DISPLAY must be specified, explicitly or implicitly.
The SIGN clause is required only when an explicit description of the properties and/or position of the operational sign is necessary.
When specified, the SIGN clause defines the position and mode of representation of the operational sign for the numeric data description entry to which it applies, or for each signed numeric data description entry subordinate to the group to which it applies.
If a SIGN clause is specified in either an elementary or group entry subordinate to a group item for which a SIGN clause is specified, the SIGN clause for the subordinate entry takes precedence for the subordinate entry.
If you specify the CODE-SET clause in an FD entry, any signed numeric data description entries associated with that file description entry must be described with the SIGN IS SEPARATE clause.
Every numeric data description entry whose PICTURE contains the symbol S is a signed numeric data description entry. If the SIGN clause is also specified for such an entry, and conversion is necessary for computations or comparisons, the conversion takes place automatically.
+-------------------------------IBM Extension--------------------------------+
The SIGN clause is treated as documentation for external floating-point items. For internal floating-point items, the SIGN clause is invalid.
The SIGN clause cannot be specified if the FORMAT clause is specified.
The TYPE clause cannot be specified in the same data description entry as the SIGN clause.
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