Define double-byte messages

To define a message with double-byte text, you can write a CL procedure or program using the Add Message Description (ADDMSGD) command. The defined message is put into a message file and then sent normally.

When writing the program, do the following:

  1. Make sure the source file containing the program is a double-byte file. Specify IGCDTA(*YES) on the Create Source Physical File (CRTSRCPF) command.
  2. Use the source entry utility (SEU) to enter the program. CL commands using double-byte characters can only be entered through SEU. For this reason, double-byte messages must be created in a CL program.
  3. Limit the length of the message to 37 double-byte characters, so the complete message can be displayed or printed.

    When using the Monitor Message (MONMSG) command, also limit the Comparison Data (CMPDATA) parameter to 6 double-byte characters.

  4. If the double-byte message file replaces an alphanumeric message file (such as files of translated messages to be sent only to double-byte display stations), enter a command similar to the following to override the alphanumeric message file: 
    OVRMSGF MSGF(QCPFMSG) TOMSGF(DBCSLIB/QCPFMSG)

    Double-byte messages can be displayed only at double-byte display stations.

Parent topic: Add messages to a file