Numeric host variables

Numeric host variables can be defined in all languages with a few exceptions.

Binary integer variables can be defined in all host languages.

Floating-point variables can be defined in all host languages. All languages, except Java™, support System/390® floating-point format. Assembler, C, C++, PL/I, and Java also support IEEE floating-point format. In assembler, C, C++, and PL/I programs, the SQL processing option FLOAT tells Db2 whether floating-point variables contain data in System/390 floating-point format or IEEE floating-point format. The contents of floating-point host variables must match the format that is specified with the FLOAT SQL processing option.

Decimal variables can be defined in all host languages except Fortran.

In COBOL, decimal numbers can be represented in the following formats:
  • Packed decimal format, denoted by USAGE PACKED-DECIMAL or COMP-3
  • External decimal format, denoted by USAGE DISPLAY with SIGN LEADING SEPARATE
  • NATIONAL decimal format denoted by USAGE NATIONAL and SIGN LEADING SEPARATE

Decimal floating-point variables can be defined in Assembler, C, C++, PL/I, and Java.