Built-in functions for computational data conversion

Conversions can take place during expression evaluation, I/O GET and PUT operations, and assignment operations, and between arguments and parameters.

Conversions can also be initiated with the following built-in functions:

Each function returns a value with the attribute specified by the function name, performing any required conversions.

With the exception of the conversions performed by the COMPLEX, GRAPHIC, and IMAG built-in functions, assignment to a PL/I variable having the required attributes can achieve the conversions performed by these built-in functions. However, you might find it easier and clearer to use a built-in function than to create a variable solely to carry out a conversion.