Data types
For most arguments, CICS uses one of five data types. The first four data types are all used for numeric data, but they differ in length and internal format; the last is for text. The names used in this information are those used in assembler language.
- Doubleword binary (eight bytes)
- Fullword binary (four bytes)
- Halfword binary (two bytes)
- Packed decimal (variable number of bytes)
- Character string (variable number of bytes)
Data-areas and data-values might require any of these formats. The option text tells you which one to use. CVDAs are always fullword binary. Pointers are also stored in this form, although you generally define them explicitly as pointers or addresses. There are a few exceptions to these types, including the component identifier arguments in the INQUIRE and SET TRACETYPE commands, which are bit strings, options where the user determines the data format, and options for which CICS requires a specific structure. These exceptions are rare in the SPI, however, and are always noted in the option description text.
The data types are the same regardless of the language of the program issuing the command. However, the way you define data of a particular type varies with the language. The rules are summarized in the language sections that follow, but there are other considerations unique to each language. You should refer to the relevant language manual for information, although you can find some language-specific information in the Programming languages and Language Environment