IBM Extension
IBM Extension

FORMAT Phrase

The FORMAT phrase applies only to indexed files of device type DATABASE. It is required when processing a file that has multiple record formats and has unique keys. If the record key is defined with duplicates, the FORMAT phrase is incorrect and is ignored.

The value specified in the FORMAT phrase contains the name of the record format to use for this I-O operation. The system uses this to specify or select which record format must be operated on.

If an identifier is specified, it must be a character string of ten characters or less, and it must be the name of one of the following:
  • A Working-Storage Section entry
  • A Linkage Section entry
  • A record description entry for a previously opened file.

If a literal is specified, it must be an uppercase character string of ten characters or less. A value of all blanks is treated as though the FORMAT phrase were not specified. If the value is not valid for a file, a FILE STATUS of 9K is returned and a USE procedure is invoked, if applicable for the file.

End of IBM Extension
End of IBM Extension