This document covers the following topics:
The DEFINE DATA statement offers a number of clauses to
declare data definitions for use within a Natural program, either by
referencing predefined data definitions contained in a local data area (LDA),
global data area (GDA) or parameter data area (PDA), or by writing in-line
definitions.
When a DEFINE DATA statement is used, it must be the
first statement of the program/routine.
An "empty" DEFINE DATA statement is not
allowed; in other words, at least one clause (LOCAL,
GLOBAL,
PARAMETER,
INDEPENDENT,
CONTEXT or
OBJECT) must be
specified and at least one field must be defined.
You may specify more than one clause; in this case, the clauses must be specified in the order shown in the syntax diagrams.
The Natural reserved word END-DEFINE must
be used to end the DEFINE DATA statement.
The DEFINE DATA statement is available in
structured mode and in
reporting mode.
Differences are marked accordingly in the DEFINE DATA statement
description.
Generally, the following applies:
All variables to be used, except application-independent variables (AIVs),
must be defined in the DEFINE DATA statement; they must not be
defined elsewhere in the program. If a DEFINE DATA INDEPENDENT
statement is used, AIVs must not be defined elsewhere in the program.
The DEFINE DATA statement is not mandatory since variables
may be defined in the body of the program. However, if a
DEFINE DATA LOCAL
statement is used in reporting mode, variables, except application-independent
variables (AIVs), must not be defined elsewhere in the program; and if a
DEFINE DATA
INDEPENDENT statement is used,
application-independent variables
(AIVs) must not be defined elsewhere in the program.
For further information on the DEFINE DATA statement, see
the following sections in the Programming Guide: