Signed Data

There are two categories of algebraic signs used in COBOL: operational signs and editing signs.

Operational signs (+, -) are associated with signed numeric items, and indicate their algebraic properties. The internal representation of an algebraic sign depends on the item's USAGE clause, and, optionally, upon its SIGN clause. Zero is considered a unique value, regardless of the operational sign. An unsigned field is always assumed to be either positive or zero.

Editing signs are associated with numeric edited items; editing signs are PICTURE symbols (+, -, CR, DB) that identify the sign of the item in edited output.