Only that part of the number which fits the field is used. Appropriate sign extension is needed for negative numbers and for numbers whose bit representation is smaller than the field. The declaration of a Simple Field Equivalent provides a symbolic name which represents a particular field with a specific value. Characterization statement parts can be grouped in the normal manner by parentheses. This variable can then be used as a repetition indicator.
All variables are global in scope.
Within a characterization statement a field may or may not occur depending on the contents of some other previous field. This situation is indicated by assigning a label to the determining field. Conditional Alternatives Alternatives selected by the contents of some previous field rather than by the contents of the alternative field itself are indicated by an extension of the conditional field notation. A separate field size declaration is provided.