OPTIONS

 ────OPTIONS─────expression────;─────────────

OPTIONS is used to pass special requests or parameters to the language processor. For example, they can be language processor options or they can define a special character set.

The expression is evaluated, and the result is examined one word at a time. If the words are recognized by the language processor, then they are obeyed. Words that are not recognized are ignored and assumed to be instructions to a different processor.

The following words are recognized by the language processors:

ETMODE

Specifies that literal strings containing double-byte character set (DBCS) characters can be used in the program.
NOETMODE
Specifies that literal strings containing DBCS characters cannot be used in the program. NOETMODE is the default.
EXMODE
Specifies that DBCS data in mixed strings is handled on a logical character basis by instructions, operators and functions. DBCS data integrity is maintained.
NOEXMODE
Specifies that any data in strings is handled on a byte basis. The integrity of any DBCS characters might be lost. NOEXMODE is the default.
Notes:

• Because of the scanning procedures of the language processor, you are advised to place an OPTIONS ETMODE instruction as the first instruction of a program containing DBCS literal strings.

• To ensure proper scanning of a program containing DBCS literals, type the words ETMODE, NOETMODE, EXMODE, and NOEXMODE as literal strings (that is, enclosed in quotation marks) in the OPTIONS instruction.

• The OPTIONS ETMODE and OPTIONS EXMODE settings are saved and restored across subroutine and function calls.

• The words ETMODE, EXMODE, NOEXMODE, and NOETMODE can occur several times within the result. The word that takes effect is determined by the last valid one specified between the pairs ETMODE/NOETMODE and EXMODE/NOEXMODE.

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