Form the body of an edit word in printer files

These characters have special meanings when used in the body of an edit word.

Blank

A blank is replaced with the character from the corresponding position of the data field. A blank position is referred to as a digit position.

Ampersand

An ampersand causes a blank in the edited field. The ampersand is not printed.

Zero

To stop zero suppression, place a zero in the farthest-right position where it is to stop. The zero is then replaced with the character from the corresponding position of the data field, unless that character is a zero. Any zeros in the data that appear to the right of the stop-zero-suppression character are printed. The stop-zero-suppression character is considered a digit position; however, when it is the first character, it can not represent the digit position. At least one leading zero is suppressed. Each zero that is suppressed is replaced by a blank.

Asterisk

Placing an asterisk in the farthest-right position where zero suppression is to stop, stops zero suppression and replaces the zeros with asterisks (asterisk protection). An asterisk preceding a zero is interpreted as representing asterisk protection. In this case, the zero prints as a constant. Any asterisks or zeros to the right of the stop-zero-suppression character are constants.

Currency symbol

A currency symbol coded immediately to the left of the zero suppression code causes the insertion of a currency symbol in the position to the left of the first significant digit. It is called the floating-currency symbol when used in this manner.

A currency symbol coded in the farthest-left column of the edit word is fixed and prints in the same location each time. When used in this manner, it is called the fixed-currency symbol.

The currency symbol is not considered a digit-replace position. This symbol must correspond to the system value QCURSYM.

Decimals and commas

Decimals and commas are printed in the same relative positions in which they are coded in the edit word unless they are to the left of the first significant digit. In that case, they are blanked out or replaced by an asterisk.

All other characters are printed if they are to the right of significant digits in the data field. If they are to the left of the high-order significant digits in the data, they are blanked out or replaced by asterisks if asterisk protection is being used.