What is the effect of using a zero digit selector before the decimal point in a PICTURE statement?

When using a zero digit selector before the decimal point in a PICTURE statement, the primary effect is that it suppresses the decimal point. This means that no decimal point will be displayed in the formatted output of the numeric value when the associated digit is zero.

In practice, a zero digit selector is often used to control how numbers are presented, especially in financial or reporting contexts where you might want to maintain a cleaner appearance of numbers. By suppressing the decimal point, the output can be more straightforward, enhancing readability without the visual distraction of a decimal point.

The other options suggest effects that are not aligned with the actual functionality of a zero digit selector in a PICTURE statement. For instance, while some formats may involve leading zeros (as referenced in other choices), the specific function of suppressing the decimal point is a clearer and more precise consequence of that formatting directive. This understanding is crucial when formatting output to ensure it meets the necessary presentation standards in reporting and data visualization scenarios.