5251/5252 format control

Field attributes also define the type of data the operator can enter into a field, and specify other control information for the field.

• A field can be defined as alpha only, numeric only, or alphanumeric.
• Auto enter simulates an ENTER key press at the conclusion of the field.
• Bypass automatically skips over a field in the screen.
• Duplicate enable allows the operator to press the DUP key in a field, entering a special code which is interpreted by the application program – typically duplicating data in this field from the previous record or line.
• Field exit required forces the operator to manually exit this field, rather than automatically advancing to the next field after entering the last character.
• Mandatory entry specifies that the operator must enter data in this field and is not allowed to tab over it.
• Monocase translates lower-case characters entered into this field to upper-case.
• Mandatory fill specifies that this field must be entirely filled if any data is entered into it.
• Right adjust will right adjust data entered in a field when the operator exits the field.
• Signed numeric reserves the rightmost position of a field for a sign – blank for positive or '-' for negative.