What does it do? Definition of formal parameters p1 p2 ...> for methods.
Use VALUE> or REFERENCE> to determine whether a parameterp1 p2 ...> is passed by value> or by reference>. If only one name p1 p2 ...> is specified, the parameter is by default passed by reference. An input parameter passed by reference must not be changed in the method.
With addition typing>, every formal parameter must be typed. The syntax of typing> is described in Typing Syntax>. The typing of a formal parameter has the effect that when an actual parameter is passed, its data type is checked> against the typing. In addition, the typing determines at which operand positions the formal parameter can be used in the method.
Use OPTIONAL> or DEFAULT> to define input parameters and input/output parameters as optional parameters, where you can use DEFAULT> to specify a replacement parameter def1 def2 ...>. For an optional parameter, you need not specify an actual parameter in the method call. While a formal parameter with the addition OPTIONAL> is initialized according to its type, a formal parameter with addition DEFAULT> copies the value and type of the replacement parameter def1 def2 ...>. As a replacement parameter def1 def2 ...>, you can specify any appropriate data object that is visible at this position except for components of Boxed Component>s>.
If no actual parameter is specified for a generically typed formal parameter with the OPTIONAL> addition at the time of the call, the type of the formal parameter is completed according to fixed rules>.
Latest notes:If a formal parameter is typed as a reference variable and cannot be changed in the procedure>, then the typing is executed as for an Up Cast>. If it can be changed in the procedure, then the actual parameter must be compatible to the formal parameter.