This part describes how you define the fields you wish to use in a program. These fields can be database fields and user-defined fields.

The following topics are covered:

Use and Structure of DEFINE DATA Statement

User-Defined Variables

Function Call

Introduction to Dynamic Variables and Fields

Using Dynamic and Large Variables

User-Defined Constants

Initial Values (and the RESET Statement)

Redefining Fields

Arrays

X-Arrays

Please note that only the major options of the DEFINE DATA statement are discussed here. Further options are described in the Statements documentation.

The particulars of database fields are described in Accessing Data in an Adabas Database. On principle, the features and examples described there for Adabas also apply to other database management systems. Differences, if any, are described in the relevant database interface documentation and in the Statements documentation or Parameter Reference.