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Status Not under consideration
Workspace Db2 for z/OS
Created by Guest
Created on Apr 18, 2024

INTERPRET Function for Packed-decimal Data

We have some old tables with a CHAR column where we store a record formatted by a Cobol Program. It contains a mix of display data and packed-decimal data. To use that data we have to read it in a Cobol program and interpret it using a Cobol copybook.

It would be much easier and more flexible if we could read a part of the column and use a function like the INTERPRET build-in function to get the data in a format that Db2 can handle. It should handle both signed and unsigned packed-decimal data and "convert" it to DECIMAL data. We do not see how we could use this data from Java or in a SQL SP today.

One example is that X'12345D' should be converted to a DECIMAL with the value -12345.

How we plan to use this is something like this:

SELECT INTERPRET(SUBSTR(COL1,5,8) AS DECIMAL(9,2)

FROM TABLE1

A good thing would be if we can specify the scale and precision for the value and get it converted to DECIMAL with that characteristics and the decimal-point in the right position.

We see no need to use it in WHERE-clauses or INDEX on expression, at least not from the beginning. The basic functionality is a good MVP.


Needed By Month
  • Admin
    Janet Figone
    Reply
    |
    May 9, 2024

    Dear Martin,

    Thank you for submitting this Db2 for z/OS enhancement request. We have reviewed this request and because it does not align with functionality prioritized for delivery within the next 12 months, we will not be considering this idea.

    There are, however, some discussions to perhaps write a blog or provide other documentation updates related to this.

    We appreciate your input to the Db2 for z/OS development team. We hope that you will continue to submit enhancement suggestions for improvements as customer feedback is a key component to shaping the future direction of Db2 for z/OS.


    Sincerely,

    Db2 for z/OS Team