3.1. Introduction

Programmers want and expect to be able to format output in a variety of ways. With the SQL procedure programmers have forged innovative ways to enhance the appearance of output including double-spacing rows of output, concatenating two or more columns, inserting text and constants between selected columns, displaying column headers for derived fields, and much more. As a value-added feature, the SQL procedure (not part of ANSI-standard SQL — see “Preface” to this book) can be integrated with the Output Delivery System to enhance and format output in ways not otherwise available.