Function-identifier
A function-identifier is a sequence of character strings and separators that uniquely references the data item that results from the evaluation of a function.
- argument-1
- Must be an identifier, literal (other than a figurative constant), or arithmetic expression.
For more information about arguments to intrinsic functions, see Intrinsic functions.
For more information about arguments to user-defined functions, see Procedure division structure.
- function-name-1
- function-name-1 must be one of the intrinsic function names or a user-defined function name.
- reference-modifier
- Can be specified only for functions of the type alphanumeric or national.
A function-identifier that makes reference to an alphanumeric or national function can be specified anywhere that a data item of category alphanumeric or category national, respectively, can be referenced and where references to functions are not specifically prohibited, except as follows:
- As a receiving operand of any statement
- Where a data item is required to have particular characteristics (such as class and category, size, sign, and permissible values) and the evaluation of the function according to its definition and the particular arguments specified would not have these characteristics
A function-identifier that makes reference to an integer or numeric function can be used wherever an arithmetic expression can be used.