A filler item reserves space in a data record for future use. Later, the size of the filler item can be reduced, and new data items and group items can be added in the space made available. The procedure for replacing filler items is discussed in Performing Updates.

Fixed-format records can contain, at most, one filler item. Variable-format records can include one filler item in the fixed part of the record and one filler item in each variable part.

Filler items are aligned on byte boundaries, and they are initialized to all bits on. Regardless of the position of the filler item declaration, the filler in the record is located after all data items and group items, and before all control items.

Compact data sets cannot contain filler items.

The following diagram illustrates the syntax for filler items:

<filler data item>

── FILLER SIZE ──<unsigned integer>────────────────────────────────────┤

Explanation

The unsigned integer following SIZE specifies the number or 8-bit characters reserved. The value of the unsigned integer must not exceed 2047. Filler items are aligned on 8-bit byte boundaries.

Example

This example illustrates the use of filler items.

D DATA SET
 (
  A ALPHA(30) REQUIRED;
  B BOOLEAN;
  FILLER SIZE 50;
  RT RECORD TYPE(5);
 ),
1: 
 (
  A1 ALPHA(10);
  N1 NUMBER(5);
  FILLER SIZE 15;
 ),
2: 
 (
  A2 ALPHA(20);
  N2 NUMBER(9);
  FILLER SIZE 30;
 ),
3: 
 (
  A3 ALPHA(25);
 );