What is the difference between INSPECT and FUNCTION LENGTH?

[Abhilash Sharma]

Hi,

I want to find length of a field. Once I know that I'll pad zeroes. But I am not sure if I should this using INSPECT or with intrinsic FUNCTION LENGTH. What is the difference between the two approaches, I'm confused?

[Robert Sample]

If your variable is in WORKING-STORAGE, the length does not change, ever. So FUNCTION LENGTH will only return one value no matter what data is stored in the variable. INSPECT allows you to locate the last byte of relevant data in the variable.

[William Collins]

Can you show an example of what you are trying to do?

[Abhilash Sharma]

I've a field which migh tcome like this "$$$$$1234" or "$$$$$$234" or "$$$$$$$34" or "$$$$$$$$4" or "$$$$$$$$$", where $ represents a space and it might alos be like "1234$$$$$" etc. I need to replace $ with a zero.

[Robert Sample]

Use INSPECT or reference modification.

[zprogrammer]

Are you sure "1234$$$$$" replacing $ with 0 for this type is correct?
Don't you need any justification?

[Abhilash Sharma]

I'd need justifcation too. I'll try with INSPECT and reference modification.

[zprogrammer]

Try FUNCTION NUMVAL