A function-identifier is a syntactically correct sequence of character strings and separators that uniquely references the data item resulting from the evaluation of a function.
Format
>>-FUNCTION--function-name-1--+----------------------+---------->
| .------------. |
| V | |
'-(----argument-1-+--)-'
>--+--------------------+--------------------------------------><
'-reference-modifier-'
For more information, see Intrinsic Functions.
A function-identifier that makes reference to an alphanumeric function can be specified anywhere that an identifier is permitted and where references to functions are not specifically prohibited, except as follows:
A function-identifier that makes reference to an integer or numeric function may be used wherever an arithmetic expression is allowed.
+-------------------------------IBM Extension--------------------------------+
A DBCS function can be specified anywhere in the general formats that a DBCS identifier is permitted, and where the rules associated with the general formats do not specifically prohibit reference to functions, except as follows:
A reference modification for a DBCS function is allowed. If reference modification is specified for a function, the evaluation of the reference modification takes place immediately after the evaluation of the function.
A DBCS function can be referenced as an argument for a function that allows a DBCS argument.
+----------------------------End of IBM Extension----------------------------+
+-------------------------------IBM Extension--------------------------------+
A national function can be specified anywhere in the general formats that a national identifier is permitted, and where the rules associated with the general formats do not specifically prohibit reference to functions, except as follows:
A reference modification for a national function is allowed. If reference modification is specified for a function, the evaluation of the reference modification takes place immediately after the evaluation of the function.
A national function can be referenced as an argument for a function that allows a national argument.
+----------------------------End of IBM Extension----------------------------+
+-------------------------------IBM Extension--------------------------------+
A date-time function can be specified anywhere in the general formats that a date-time identifier is permitted, and where the rules associated with the general formats do not specifically prohibit reference to functions, except as follows:
A date-time function can be referenced as an argument for a function that allows a date-time argument.
+----------------------------End of IBM Extension----------------------------+
+-------------------------------IBM Extension--------------------------------+
A boolean function can be specified anywhere in the general formats that a boolean identifier is permitted, and where the rules associated with the general formats do not specifically prohibit reference to functions, except as follows:
A boolean function can be referenced as an argument for a function that allows a boolean argument.
+----------------------------End of IBM Extension----------------------------+
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