1 PICTURE

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

2 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.


2 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.


2 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".