LENGTH options in CICS commands

In COBOL, PL/I, and Assembler language, the translator defaults certain lengths, if the NOLENGTH translator option is not specified. This means they are optional in programs that specify data areas. In C, all LENGTH options must be specified.

When a CICS® command offers the LENGTH option, it is expressed as a signed halfword binary value. This puts a theoretical upper limit of 32 763 bytes on LENGTH. In practice, depending on issues of recoverability, function shipping, and other factors, assume a 24 KB limit.

This advisory 24 KB limit does not apply to the FLENGTH option on CICS commands (except for terminal-related SEND and RECEIVE commands, because of architectural limitations). The FLENGTH option is used on commands that relate to containers and journals, among others.

For temporary storage, transient data, and file control commands, the data set definitions themselves might impose further restrictions.