Array variables

For example, a simple, two-dimensional array has rows of data as its first dimension. The second dimension contains columns of data. An array variable describes a specific intersection of the dimensions to access the data contents.

An array variable is constructed of the following components:

• Array name
• Dimension intersection entries

To reference the TABLE1 array, third row, and second column within the row, the array variable would be written as the following statement:

The array name may be a maximum of 28 characters for a one-dimensional array, 24 characters for a two-dimensional array, and continuing to reduce by four characters for each successive dimensional level. Name size reduces as a result of the way array elements are stored within the variable pool dictionary.

Syntax evaluation of array variables follows these guidelines:

• The array name is specified first.
• Each specific dimension entry is defined in sequence, prefixed by a colon (:).
• All dimension entries must be supplied.
• A maximum of seven dimensions (or levels) is permitted for an array.
• Array name or dimension entry values may be defined as a literal, a simple variable, a recursive variable, or an array variable.
• If an array variable resolves outside the boundaries of an array, the script terminates with errors.