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[vjpilp]

Is it possible to send NULL values in an out parameter to a calling program when my stored proc is written in COBOL?
I tried this:
LINKAGE SECTION
10 LS-TEXT PIC X(10).
10 LS-TEXT-NI PIC S9(04) COMP.

If I set LS-TEXT-NI = -1 , the value received in the calling program(Java) is not NULL.

Is there a way to send back NULL is OUT parameter?

[Bithead]

Try This

01 LS-TEXT.
49 LS-TEXT-NI PIC S9(04) COMP.
49 LS-TEXT PIC X(10).


Then move +0 to LS-TEXT-NI for NULL values.

[SureshKumar]

Vipilp,
The answer is yes. You can send nulls. Look at how the stored procedure is defined. Something like PARAMETER STYLE GENERAL WITH NULLS
Moreover, if you have a group item its has to be defined at a 01 level. The null indicator acts on a given 01 level. example

01 LS-TEXT-1 PIC X(10).
01 LS-TEXT-2 PIC X(10).
01 LS-TEXT-3 PIC X(10).

01 NULL-INDICATORS.
10 LS-TEXT-NI-1 PIC S9(04) COMP.
10 LS-TEXT-NI-2 PIC S9(04) COMP.
10 LS-TEXT-NI-3 PIC S9(04) COMP.

[vjpilp]

The stored procedure is defined with parameter style as DB2SQL(can pass NULLS).
1. When I send NULL values from Java, I receive NULL indicators only for integers i.e S9(09) COMP. For other data types, I receive some garbage value. Am I doing something wrong here?

2. With parameter style definition, does it mean that my Java program alone can send NULLS or is it that my COBOL-DB2 program can send back NULLS to JAva?

[SureshKumar]

vipilp,
I am not sure if DB2SQL can receive nulls if 'GENERAL WITH NULLS ' is not specified. check the manuals. Moreover, for type DB2SQL the null indicators have to be defined at 01 level in the SP and the calling program myst explictly use them.
The good thing abour the SP's is that IBM has provided clear example of each type of parameter and how it can be used. There are different elements that needs to be looked at, so give it a try..refer to this manual if you have not done so..thanks
IBM Redbook : DB2 for z/OS Stored Procedures: Through the CALL and Beyond