Binary Data

This data represents signed or unsigned numbers in twos complement form. Binary numbers of 1, 2, 3, or 4 bytes in length are allowed on the workstation, but the iSeries, eServer™ i5, or System i5® allows only numbers 2 or 4 bytes in length. The bit on the left side of the high-order bit determines the sign of the number (0 for positive, 1 for negative). The system stores the data with the high-order byte on the left side of the field, whereas the workstation stores the data with the high-order byte in the right-hand position of the field.

The decimal position, if specified by the file description, represents the number of decimal digits to the right of the decimal point. The file description specifies the presence of a decimal position.

For example, the binary number 3BF5 is equivalent to the decimal number 15349, and the binary number FFB4 is equivalent to the decimal number -76.