Update String Formatting Rules and Examples

Consider the following rules when specifying the update text string (WS-DB-UPDATE-CMD):

  • Calculations are evaluated using standard mathematical rules, such as evaluation of expressions within parentheses first and processing multiplication before addition.

  • The text string allows any of the valid types of numeric calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide, replace) and replacements for character strings.

  • Occurring fields may be updated.

  • Fields specified in the update string must be database fields.

  • Negative fields (for example, -field ) may not be used.

  • Use a space between entries to ensure that text is clear. Use one space between entries, and do not use tabs or new line characters.

    For example, the text

    EV-=’1’

    could be read as

    the field EV- set to 1

    – or –

    the field EV set to (EV – 1)

Examples: Update Text String Literal Values

TOTALPAY = HOURS * ('2' + RELNAME@SUM(SALARY))

EV1 *= '17', EV6 = EV6 * (EV3REL1@SUM(EV1) + EV10[2]), EV2 = 'RRRR'

Note: The occurring field is specified as EV10[2], using square brackets.

Examples: Update Text String Related Field Values

RELHR@SUM(SALARY[1])

RELHR@EMPLOYEE

Example: Setting the Text String Value

STRING
         "STATUS = '4', CHECK-ID = '" DELIMITED BY SIZE
         WS-U-TRD-CHECK-ID (I8)    DELIMITED BY SIZE
         "'"             DELIMITED BY SIZE
         INTO WS-DB-UPDATE-CMD