Sign representation of zoned and packed-decimal data

Given X'sd', where s is the sign representation and d represents the digit, the valid sign representations for zoned decimal (USAGE DISPLAY) data without the SIGN IS SEPARATE clause are:

Positive:

C, A, E, and F

Negative:

D and B

The COBOL NUMPROC compiler option affects sign processing for zoned decimal and internal decimal data. NUMPROC has no effect on binary data, national decimal data, or floating-point data.

NUMPROC(PFD)

Given X'sd', where s is the sign representation and d represents the digit, when you use NUMPROC(PFD), the compiler assumes that the sign in your data is one of three preferred signs:

Signed positive or 0:

X'C'

Signed negative:

X'D'

Unsigned or alphanumeric:

X'F'

Based on this assumption, the compiler uses whatever sign it is given to process data. The preferred sign is generated only where necessary (for example, when unsigned data is moved to signed data). Using the NUMPROC(PFD) option can save processing time, but you must use preferred signs with your data for correct processing.

NUMPROC(NOPFD)

When the NUMPROC(NOPFD) compiler option is in effect, the compiler accepts any valid sign configuration. The preferred sign is always generated in the receiver. NUMPROC(NOPFD) is less efficient than NUMPROC(PFD), but you should use it whenever data that does not use preferred signs might exist.

If an unsigned, zoned-decimal sender is moved to an alphanumeric receiver, the sign is unchanged (even with NUMPROC(NOPFD) in effect).