PI90665: With NUMCHECK enabled, the compiler incorrectly generates validation code for a numeric argument to FUNCTION LENGTH()

Obtain the fix for this APAR.

APAR status

• Closed as program error.

Error description

• As FUNCTION LENGTH() doesn't use the value of its argument, the
  NUMCHECK compiler option should not cause validation code to be
  generated if that argument is a simple numeric type.
  

Local fix

• Use LENGTH OF where possible.
  

Problem summary

• ****************************************************************
  * USERS AFFECTED: Users of Enterprise COBOL V6.2 compiling     *
  *                 and running programs that contain            *
  *                 invocations of FUNCTION LENGTH with numeric  *
  *                 operands, who are also using the NUMCHECK    *
  *                 compiler option.                             *
  ****************************************************************
  * PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: Misleading results:  NUMCHECK was       *
  *                      generating a numeric class test for     *
  *                      operands of FUNCTION LENGTH, but the    *
  *                      content of those data items is not      *
  *                      relevant to the output of FUNCTION      *
  *                      LENGTH, it only checks the data         *
  *                      definition for the length.              *
  ****************************************************************
  * RECOMMENDATION: Apply the provided PTF.                      *
  ****************************************************************
  The compiler was a little too aggressive about checking numeric
  data items for bad data.
  

Problem conclusion

• The compiler was changed to not generate numeric class tests
  for operands of FUNCTION LENGTH.
  

Temporary fix

Comments

APAR Information

• APAR is sysrouted FROM one or more of the following:

• APAR is sysrouted TO one or more of the following:

  PI93739

Fix information

• Fixed component name

  ENT COBOL FOR Z

• Fixed component ID

  5655EC600

Applicable component levels

• R622 PSY UI56122

     UP18/06/01 P F805

• R62H PSY UI58273

     UP18/09/06 P F809

Fix is available

• Select the PTF appropriate for your component level. You will be required to sign in. Distribution on physical media is not available in all countries.