Reference > Commands

The syntax of the F (format) command is:

F = fmt [/ fmt / fmt / ... fmt],

The formats control features covering all aspects of CL: how data files are to be handled, how the CL script is read, how tables are weighted and chiefly, how the output tables are to be formatted.

Each fmt represents a 3-character name for a format setting. There are three kinds of format, numeric, character and logical.

Numeric formats must be followed by a number, indicating the value to be assigned to this format.

Character formats should be followed by a single character setting (usually in quotes).

Logical formats appear on their own (set true) or preceded by the letter N, meaning not (set false).

Only formats SHG, LBT, IFF and IFB can be allocated a negative number, and only IFF and IFB can be allocated the value U (undefined). All other numeric formats must be followed by 0 or a positive number.

All formats have standard values, that is values that are assumed unless and until you explicitly set them in a F (format) command. The initial values of the formats are set at program startup. Once set, they remain set until they are reset (in another F command) or until the end of the CL script. There are two exceptions to this rule, formats STN and SPN, which reset automatic table or page numbering, as desired, each time they are used. They may only be used in T (tabulate) and MT (manip table) commands.

Formats can be reset in T and MT commands. They appear immediately before the = and in parentheses. Formats set in this way apply only to the table defined by the T / MT command, and temporarily override settings made by F (format) commands and defaults.

IMPORTANT: formats (other than ITR and ITC) can only be set on the first definition of the table or in a Print Stage.

Formats can also be set inside label controls, in text , using <K= ... >. These settings are only used in the Print Step and remain in effect for the table on which they are used. Some formats can also be set in label controls using <T= ... >. Formats set in this way only take effect for the particular item being printed. For formats in label controls, see the chapter on label controls.

Note that the quotes in character format settings must be omitted when the format is set in a label control; and must be present in F (format) and T (tabulate) or MT (manip table) commands when the character to be set is blank (' '); otherwise, the quotes are optional.

Examples of F (format) settings:

f=rth/nprc/nser/lpp55,

f = rlw30 / clw6 / cds'%',

t #17 (f=rlw25) = $row * $col,

%ptc = '<t=clw5>Total',

v $big='<k=rlw40> ...',