A dummy argument is created when the argument is any of the following:
This does not apply to noncontrolled parameters when only bounds, lengths, or size differ and these are declared with asterisks, nor when an expression other than a constant is used to define the extents of a controlled parameter. In the latter case, argument and parameter extents are assumed to match.
In the case of an argument and parameter with the PICTURE attribute, a dummy argument is created unless the picture specifications match exactly, after any repetition factors are applied. The only exception is that an argument or parameter with a + sign in a scaling factor matches a parameter or argument without the + sign.
PL/I derives the attributes of dummy arguments from:
The following rules apply to dummy arguments:
If the extents of the controlled parameter are specified as asterisks or nonrestricted expressions, the original declaration must have extents declared as nonrestricted expressions.