J3/06-220r1 To: J3 From: Michael Ingrassia Subject: C10 - UTI 48 : List-directed bits output Date: 16-aug-2006 --------------------- Unresolved Technical Issue 48 (page 282) Asks three questions: Why are leading zeros considered significant in list-directed output for bits? Why is Z format user rather than B? What is the exact meaning of (k+3)/4 ? Reply: 1) Even in the bits context, users might prefer output not to have long strings of leading zeroes. They can infer the zeroes while saving ink on their printouts. Other users can get explicit leading zeroes if they explicitly specify the format using (say) Zn.n. 2) The selection of Z format for list-directed output is mainly for practical considerations. B format output results in significantly long, and in some cases, impractically long output strings. The use of Z format allows compact output from which the reader can easily visualize the represented bit pattern. 3) The (k+3)/4 is not an issue when leading zeroes are not required to be printed. Edits: ------ [281:11-12] Replace with the sentence "Bits output constants are produced with the effect of a Z0 edit descriptor." [287:14-15] Replace with the sentence "Bits output constants are produced with the effect of a Z0 edit descriptor."