output (the default depends on the context)

The output option is used for DATA-GEN.

The output option specifies how the output variable or file is handled at the beginning the DATA-GEN operation.

• append indicates that the output variable or file should not be changed at the beginning of the operation. The information provided by the generator will be appended to the variable or file.

  See Using several DATA-GEN operations to generate a single document.

• clear indicates that the variable or file is cleared before the operation begins.

  This is the default for a DATA-GEN operation that does not have *END as the first operand.

• continue indicates that the operation is a continuation of a sequence of DATA-GEN operations.

  This is the default for a DATA-GEN operation with *END as the first operand. See Using several DATA-GEN operations to generate a single document.