how do i validate input?

[frustratedNewbie]

I'd like to know how to validate fields for such things as no data at all, or a field must exist, if a field should be numeric or alphanumeric... how can i do this? thanks

 

[BettyScherber]

There is no such thing as a "Null" field in COBOL like there is in some other languages. A field with "no data" might be SPACES, LOW-VALUES, or ZEROS. To test for spaces you merely have to say:
IF FIELD-A = SPACES
The tests for LOW-VALUES and ZEROS are the same.

To perform a numeric or alphabetic test, just use:
IF FIELD-A IS NUMERIC or IF FIELD-A IS ALPHABETIC



Betty Scherber
Brainbench MVP for COBOL II

http://www.brainbench.com