Function
The RECORDING MODE clause specifies that the format of logical records in the file is "undefined".
Format
RECORDING MODE IS U
Syntax rule
Specifying U means that the file may contain any combination of fixed-length or variable-length records. Records in mode U cannot be blocked and have no preceding control data item (record length field, RLF). If RECORDING MODE IS U is specified, there is no need to specify the BLOCK CONTAINS clause.
General rules
The record formats "F" (fixed-length records) and "V" (variable-length records) are defined by the RECORD clause:
fixed record length by a RECORD clause in format 1, variable record length by a RECORD clause in format 2.
If the RECORDING MODE clause refers to an external file, an equivalent RECORDING MODE clause must be specified in all programs that describe this external file.