# c (controlling) processing code

The c processing code defines the controlling
attribute in a controlling/dependent pair of attributes when placed
in attribute 4 of the ADI.

| System Processors | Select, Update, List |
| --- | --- |
| Code Type | Attribute Defining |
| Dictionary Attributes | Structure |

## Syntax

```
c;ac{;ac...}
```

## Description

- A controlling/dependent set of attributes is two or more attributes that are associated.

- In an AQL report, to see dependent attributes, controlling attributes must be specified.

- When using the Update processor, to see dependent attributes, controlling attributes must be specified. The attributes dependent upon the controlling attribute must contain a d (dependent) code in attribute 4.

## Example(s)

In this example, `order#` is the controlling attribute and controls the values in attributes
4, 5, and 6. Each of these three controlled attributes must indicate
in their corresponding attribute-defining items that they are dependent
upon attribute 3.

```
id: order# quantity price ext.price
001 a a a a
002 3 4 5 6
003
004 c;4;5;6 d;3 d;3 d;3
```

## See also

- [d (dependent value) processing code](https://d3codex.com/processingcodes/d-dependent-value-processing-code/)
- [output-conversion](https://d3codex.com/attributedefiningitem/output-conversion/)
- [Processing codes overview](https://d3codex.com/processingcodes/processing-codes-overview/)
- [Processing codes](https://d3codex.com/processingcodes/processing-codes/)

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Source: https://d3codex.com/processingcodes/c-controlling-processing-code/ - part of the D3Codex reference.