I thought I'd use the descripter function to determine the dimension of an array, specifically, an array set in a labeled common, for the purpose of detecting whether a user must log off in order to reset the labeled common.

The problem is, supposing the common declaration is:

common /common_name/ x(i)

If I include the code descripter(x) the program does not compile.

If I include the code descripter(x(0)) on the theory that item 0 points to the start of the array and is therefore a pointer to the array itself, I get \F5FF\, indicating an unassigned variable.

If I include the code descripter(x(1)) I get \F2FF\ because the item in this array element presently contains a string ] length 8.

So my question is, how can I test the dimension of x, or is this not possible with a labeled common?

I figured it out (but someone correct me if you have a better solution):

Instead of the declaration:

common /common_name/ x(i)

use

common /common_name/ x

then descripter(x) will compile. The problem I see now is that I really do need a dimension on it for first use. Ideas?

Victor,

Each element in an array has its own descripter.

Thus, x(0) is not the start of the array, but simply an unknown or unassigned variable.

You correctly suggest that descripter(x(1)) denotes the data type of the array element.

It may be possible to look at other areas within the descripter table to determine the matrix dimensions. If we can deduce some way we'll let you know. We do have tools to look at string space and the descripter table directly from inside AREV and REVG.

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