HLASM Language Reference

Data Attributes
Figure 87. Data Attributes
Attribute Purpose Main Uses
Type
Length
Scaling
Integer
Count
Number
Defined
Operation
Code
Gives a letter that identifies
type of data represented
Gives number of bytes that
data occupies in storage
Refers to the position of the
decimal point in fixed-point,
floating-point and decimal
constants
Is a function of the length and
scale attributes of decimal,
fixed-point, and floating-point
constants
Gives the number of
characters required to
represent data
Gives the number of sublist
entries in a macro instruction
operand sublist, or the
maximum subscript of a
dimensioned SET symbol to
which a value has been
assigned.
Shows whether the symbol
referenced has been defined
prior to the attribute reference
Shows whether a given
operation code has been
defined prior to the attribute
reference
In tests to distinguish between
different data types
For value substitution
In macros to discover missing
operands
For substitution into length fields
For computation of storage
requirements
For testing and regulating the
position of decimal points
For substitution into a scale
modifier
To keep track of significant digits
(integers)
For scanning and decomposing
character strings
As indexes in substring notation
For scanning sublists
As a counter to test for end of
sublist
For testing array limits
To avoid defining a symbol again if
the symbol referenced has been
previously defined
To avoid assembling a macro or
instruction if it does not exist.
Notes:
1. The number attribute of &SYSLIST(n) and &SYSLIST(n,m) is described in “&SYSLIST
System Variable Symbol” on page 276.
Attribute Reference
►►──attribute_notation'
─┬─ordinary_symbol──┬───────────────────────►◄
├─variable_symbol──┤
├─literal──────────┤
└─character_string─┘
attribute_notation'
is the attribute whose value you want, followed by a single quotation mark.
Valid attribute letters are “D,” “O,” “N,” “S,” “K,” “I,” “L,” and “T.”
ordinary_symbol
is an ordinary symbol that represents the data that possesses the attribute. An
ordinary symbol cannot be specified with the operation code attribute.
Chapter 9. How to Write Conditional Assembly Instructions 325