LEN

LEN function returns the character length of the supplied expression.

COMMAND SYNTAX

    LEN(expression)

SYNTAX ELEMENTS

expression can evaluate to any type and the function will convert it to a string automatically.

INTERNATIONAL MODE

The LEN function will return the number of characters in the specified expression rather than the number of bytes, in International Mode. If the expression consists of entirely of UTF-8 characters in the ASCII range 0 - 127 then the character length of the expression will equate to the byte length. However, when the expression contains characters outside the ASCII range 0 - 127 then byte length and character length will differ. If the byte is specifically required then use the BYTELEN function in place of the LEN function.

NOTES

Do not use programs manipulating byte counts in International Mode.

EXAMPLE

    * Centered string output
       V.STRING = 'I AM IN THE VERY CENTER'   ; V.WIDTH = 50
       V.LEN = LEN(V.STRING)
       V.OFF.L = INT((V.WIDTH - V.LEN) / 2)    ;* left offset
       V.OFF.R = V.WIDTH - V.LEN - V.OFF.L     ;* right offset
       CRT SQUOTE( STR(' ', V.OFF.L) : V.STRING : STR(' ', V.OFF.R) )

Output is: 

     '             I AM IN THE VERY CENTER              '

Last update: Sat, 16 Jul 2022 15:34