The PICTURE field attribute clause declares a field's picture  string
  for a specified language or language processor.

1  –  Parameter

  pic_quoted_string

       The picture  string  for  the  specified  language  or  language
       processor.

2  –  Syntax Rules

   o  Pic_quoted_string  must  be  a  valid  picture  string  for   the
      specified language or language processor.  The CDDL compiler does
      not check the quoted string for validity or correct syntax.

   o  You can use 8-bit characters in pic_field_string.

   o  The data type implicit in the pic_field_string must be consistent
      with the data type you select with the DATATYPE clause.

3  –  Usage Notes

   o  Each language that requires a picture  string  will  construct  a
      default  picture  string  if you do not provide one.  The default
      picture string provides a concise, efficient description  of  the
      field.   You  should  use  the  default  picture  string whenever
      possible and avoid facility-specific PICTURE clauses.

   o  The CDDL compiler does not check picture strings  for  conformity
      with  the DATATYPE clause.  In most cases, therefore, the default
      picture string is probably the best option.

   o  You can use the EDIT_STRING field attribute clause to provide  an
      edited picture string for VAX DATATRIEVE.

4  –  Example

  The following example contains a picture string for COBOL.

  AMOUNT            DATATYPE UNSIGNED NUMERIC 8 DIGITS 2 FRACTIONS
                    PICTURE FOR COBOL IS "9(6)V99".