Version 4.2.6 for Mainframes (Update)
 —  Statements  —

Defining Global Data

General syntax of DEFINE DATA GLOBAL:

DEFINE DATA
   GLOBAL USING global-data-area [WITH block[.block...]]
END-DEFINE

This document covers the following topics:

For an explanation of the symbols used in the syntax diagram, see Syntax Symbols.


Function

The DEFINE DATA GLOBAL statement is used to define data elements using a global data area (GDA).

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Syntax Description

USING global-data-area A global data area (GDA) contains data elements which can be referenced by more than one programming object.
WITH block

To save data storage space, you can create a global data area with data blocks. Data blocks can overlay one another during program execution, thereby saving storage space.

The maximum number of block levels is 8 (including the master block). For further information, see Data Blocks in the Programming Guide.

.block .block notation(s) specify the block(s) which are used in the program.
END-DEFINE The Natural reserved word END-DEFINE must be used to end the DEFINE DATA statement.

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