General syntax rules

The syntax rules for control records are as follows:
  • An asterisk (*) in column 1 indicates a comment record.
  • Double slashes (//) and any characters to the right are ignored. This can be used to include comment text to the right of the statement text.
  • Data in columns 73 to 80 is ignored.
  • A statement consists of a verb followed by positional and keyword parameters. The allowable verbs are: PROFILE, SECTION, MAP, CONVERT, PRINT, and Start of changeDESCEnd of change. If there are positional parameters, they must be coded before any keyword parameters.
  • The verb and the positional and keyword parameters must be separated from each other by a comma and/or at least one space.
  • A value containing embedded spaces must be enclosed in quotes.
  • A statement can span multiple records, but a single parameter expression must be on a single record.
  • Unless otherwise noted, commands are not case sensitive.
Parent topic: Specifying control statements