Variable Length fields

With variable length fields you specify the maximum length (32K in your example)
and an optional length to keep with the main record.  When you set the data in
the field any length up to the "keep with the record" value will simply cause a
regular record to be written.  If the field length is longer, then the
additional data is written to a separate area on the DASD.  By selecting an
appropriate value for the "keep with" value you can minimize additional disk
hits while reducing DASD usage.

The reason many people think that the whole length is used is the same as the
reason that they think dates occupy 8 or 10 bytes (they don't - they occupy 4
bytes) - you can never "see" anything but the expanded version of the record.
Even with DSPPFM you see the expanded version - just as you do with dates.


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