GRAPHIC Function

Purpose

Converts character data to GRAPHIC data. Other data types are first converted to character, and then to the GRAPHIC.

Returns the graphic value of x, with a length in graphic symbols specified by y.

The content of x is checked for validity during conversion, using the same rules as for checking graphic constants.

Syntax

GRAPHIC(x[,y])

Parameters

x and y are expressions.

Description

If x is GRAPHIC, it is subject to a length change, with appropriate padding or truncation. If x is nongraphic, it is converted to character, if necessary.

When necessary, y is converted to a FIXED POINT BINARY value. If y is omitted, the length is determined by the rules for type conversion. y must not be negative.

If y = 0, the result is the null graphic string.

The following rules apply:

If y is greater than the length needed to contain the graphic string, the result is padded with graphic blanks.
If y is less than the length needed to contain the graphic string, the result is truncated.

Restrictions

None.