Is there a format for outputing an unsigned zoned decimal field in OpenVMS?

Question

I am trying to write a zero padded field in a test file that a COBOL program will read using the picture clause 9(5)v999. However I am unable to find the proper format. I've tried z8.3 but SAS inserts the decimal point...ie 99.999 where as I need 00099999 as the result. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Dan

I believe this is what you are after:

proc format ;
  picture x low-high = '99999999' (prefix='0' mult=100);
run;

data _null_;
  do cnt = 0 to 20 by 0.5;
    put cnt x.;
  end;
run;

You can find some more examples of custom formats in this PDF:

www2.sas.com/proceedings/sugi29/236-29.pdf

Cheers Rob