MVSFORUMS.com

TexasRanger · Beginner Joined: 05 Feb 2004 Posts: 10 Topics: 4

Hello,

I have tried to add packed decimal values using the DFORT utility with the SUM statement. Because I was getting a 0C7 error I got the IBM manual for DFSORT and I founD that is not possible to add values such as 3.6 + 2.4 = 6.0 because of the "."
Is there any way to add these decimal values??? or is just a poorly developed utility??
Another issue is that the SUM allows only 16 bytes for PD, whereas I need 18 bytes.
I guess this utility is useless because of the flaws is has.

Thanks.

kolusu · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:30 am Post subject:

texas ranger,

It is pretty lame to blame the product just because you cannot figure a work around

Check this link for summing a field with imbedded decimal point

http://www.mvsforums.com/helpboards/viewtopic.php?t=63&highlight=decimal+sum

mfjin · Beginner Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 94 Topics: 17

Frank Yaeger · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:27 am Post subject:

TexasRanger,

Yes, there is a way to add decimal values - see the "Sum a number with a decimal point" Smart DFSORT Trick at:

http://www.ibm.com/servers/storage/support/software/sort/mvs/tricks/

An 18-byte PD field would have 35 digits. DFSORT's limit of 16 bytes (31 digits) is the same as COBOL's limit, so I guess that would make COBOL "useless" too.

But seriously, condemning a product as "poorly developed" and "useless" because it has a few restrictions is rather a harsh judgement. Most people find DFSORT/ICETOOL to be pretty useful utilities.
_________________
Frank Yaeger - DFSORT Development Team (IBM)
Specialties: JOINKEYS, FINDREP, WHEN=GROUP, ICETOOL, Symbols, Migration
DFSORT is on the Web at:
www.ibm.com/storage/dfsort

TexasRanger · Beginner Joined: 05 Feb 2004 Posts: 10 Topics: 4

HI,

I apologize, did not want to be so rude. I just arrived to the mainframe world and was pretty upset.

Thanks for your help.

TR

slade · Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 8:11 pm Post subject:

Texas Ranger,

I took a look at your previous post too and you didn't even bother to thank Kolusu for the help he gave you. What was your excuse that time?

I wouldn't give you the time of day.

Jack

Brian · Beginner Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 95 Topics: 6

Texas Ranger,

I dont want to be rude either but am just imagining the plight of your boss.Dismissing an utility like DFSORT/ICETOOL as *useless* just shows your ignorance. Please take time to visit the links provided by Frank and Kolusu to see the wonders that can be performed using this utility.

I guess ICETOOL is the 8th wonder of the world.

Cheers
Brian