Data Structure and Types of DS in RPG AS400

Introduction to Data Structure

The data structure allows users to define an area in the storage and the fields of the data structure are called Subfields in that storage area. So basically, In simple terms, the data structure is comprised of different data types.

Declare Data Structure in Fixed Format RPG

You can declare the data structure in Fixed format RPG by specifying DS in position 24 through 25 in D specs (Definition Specifications).

 DName+++++++++++ETDsFrom+++To/L+++IDc.Keywords+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Comments++++++++++++ 
 *************** Beginning of data **************************************************************
 D DS1             DS

When you press F4 by placing the cursor on this line. You will see below i.e. DS is specified in Declaration Type.

 Prompt type . . .    D      Sequence number . . .  0001.00                  
                                                                             
                             Declaration                      To /           
 Name              E   S/U      Type              From       Length          
  DS1                            DS                                          
 Internal               Decimal                                              
 Data Type             Positions      Keywords                               
                                                                             
 Comment

Declare Data Structure in Fully Free RPG

You can declare the data structure in a fully free RPG by specifying the DCL-DS followed by the data structure name and keywords.

DCL-DS DS1;
  SUBFIELD1 CHAR(1);
END-DS;

Use of Data Structure

Types of Data Structure in RPG AS400

A Data Structure can be either program described or an externally described DS. Ap program described data structure does not use keyword EXT or EXTNAME in fully free definition or a BLANK in position 22 for the fixed-format definition.