VLENGTH Function

Arguments

var

specifies a variable that is expressed as a scalar or as an array reference.

Restriction:

You cannot use an expression as an argument.

• LENGTH examines the variable at run-time, trimming trailing blanks to determine the length. VLENGTH returns a compile-time constant value, which reflects the maximum length.

• LENGTHC returns the same value as VLENGTH, but LENGTHC can be used in any calling environment and its argument can be any expression.

• VLENGTH returns the length of the specified variable. VLENGTHX, however, evaluates the argument to determine the variable name. The function then returns the compile-time size that is associated with that variable name.

• VLENGTH does not accept an expression as an argument. VLENGTHX accepts expressions, but the value of the specified expression cannot denote an array reference.

• Related functions return the value of other variable attributes, such as the variable name, informat, and format, among others. For a list, see the "Variable Information" functions in Functions and CALL Routines by Category .

length x $8;
x='abc';
y=vlength(x);
z=length(x);
put y=;
put z=;

y=8
z=3

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