Byte-length modifier
The length modifier indicates the number of bytes of storage into which the constant is to be assembled. It is written as Ln, where n is either a decimal self-defining term or an absolute expression enclosed by parentheses. It must have a positive value.
When the length modifier is specified:
- Its value determines the number of bytes of storage allocated to a constant. It therefore determines whether the nominal value of a constant must be padded or truncated to fit into the space allocated (see Padding and truncation of values).
- No boundary alignment, according to constant type, is provided (see Alignment of constants).
- Its value must not exceed the maximum length allowed for the various types of constant defined.
- The length modifier must not truncate double-byte data in a C-type constant, except for bit-length modifiers.
- The length modifier must be a multiple of 2 in a G-type constant or a UTF-16 CU-type constant (CU CCSID 1200 or 1202).