The designers of the computer specify specific formats for each data type so the computer can access or output a sequence of bits in a predictable way.
The format specifies alignment and size. The alignment predicts the (starting) boundary; it tells where a meaningful unit of information begins. The size tells the length of the unit of information; it predicts the end.
The proper format for a data type depends on two factors:
Programming Languages |
 |
Each environment supports its own high-level languages and compilers. Most are shown in Table 1-1 “Languages Supported on MPE XL”.
Table 1-1 Languages Supported on MPE XL
| Native Mode | Compatibility Mode |
|---|
| HP Business BASIC/XL | HP Business BASIC/V |
| HP C/XL | |
| HP COBOL II/XL | COBOL II/V |
| | HP FORTRAN 66/V |
| HP FORTRAN 77/XL | HP FORTRAN 77/V |
| HP Pascal/XL | HP Pascal/V |
| HP RPG/XL | RPG/V |
| | SPL/V |
For language-specific data types and formatting conventions, consult the appropriate language manual.
HP Business BASIC/XL Reference Manual (32715-90001)
HP C Reference Manual (92434-90001) and HP C/XL Reference Manual Supplement (31506-90001)
HP COBOL II/XL Programmer's Guide (31500-90002)
COBOL II Reference Manual (31500-90001) and COBOL II/XL Reference Manual Supplement (31500-90005)
HP FORTRAN 77/XL Reference Manual (31501-90010)
HP FORTRAN 77/XL Programmer's Guide (31501-90002)
HP Pascal Reference Manual (31502-90001)
HP Pascal Programmer's Guide (31502-90002)
