variable definition to hold a timestamp 1

[neocortex]

I would like to define a variable that will hold a timestamp value that is obtained from an embedded SQL statement in my COBOL program.
Since the incoming timestamp is 10 characters long, I have thus far defined my variable as follows...TEST_TIMESTMP PIC X(10)

Unfortunately, I receive the SQLCODE error stating 'invalid syntax for the string representation of a date/time value'.

My question is...
Is there such a thing as...TEST_TIMESTMP TIMESTAMP????
Can a variable be defined to hold a date/time string?

Any help would be useful and much appreciated for a first time COBOL programmer like myself.

 

[slade]

Hi J,

If you're trying to define it in DCL it would be:
FLD_A TIMESTAMP

If you're trying to define it in COBOL it would be:
01 FLD-A PIC X(026).

You may be confusing it with TIME.

Regards, Jack.

 

[neocortex]

Your help is much appreciated Jack (uh...I mean slade!)

Changing the code to read PIC X(026) worked and the error message is no more.
One question though...if I put PIC X(26) it also works correctly.
What's the difference/benefit of using 026 or just 26??

Thanks again for your help,
J

 

[slade]

Hi J,

No dif really, I just use 3 positions to align the numbers in case I have to determine the # of bytes in a group field. It's easier to count.

Good luck, Jack.

 

[neocortex]

Makes sense - good tip!

Thanks,
J