This function returns the size (extent) of an array field or variable as an INTEGER value. More specifically, it returns:

  • The number of elements for a field or variable defined as a determinate array
  • The Unknown value (?) for a variable defined as an indeterminate array with no size
  • The size that has been set for a variable defined as an indeterminate array
  • Zero for a field or variable that is not an array
Note: The EXTENT function corresponds to the EXTENT attribute.

Syntax

EXTENT ( array )
array
Any array field or variable.

Example

In the following example, the EXTENT function is used to set the limit of a DO loop that cycles through all elements of an array:

r-arrext.p 

DEFINE VARIABLE int_value AS INTEGER NO-UNDO EXTENT 3 INITIAL [1, 2, 3].
DEFINE VARIABLE ix        AS INTEGER NO-UNDO .
DEFINE VARIABLE tot       AS INTEGER NO-UNDO LABEL "The total is".

DO ix = 1 TO EXTENT(int_value):
  tot = tot + int_value[ix].
END.

DISPLAY tot.

See also

DEFINE VARIABLE statement, ENTRY function, EXTENT attribute, EXTENT statement, VAR statement