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 explanations 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 GDA (see Global Data Area).

Syntax Element	Description
`USING` `global-data-area`	GDA Name: Specify the name of a global data area (GDA) to be referenced. A GDA is created with the source editor. It contains predefined data elements which can be included in the `DEFINE DATA GLOBAL` statement. In contrast to an LDA, the data elements defined in a GDA can be referenced by more than one Natural object. For further information, see Global Data Area in the Programming Guide.
`WITH block`	Data Blocks: 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(s) to be Used: A single or multiple `.block` notations specify the block(s) which are used in the program.
`END-DEFINE`	End of DEFINE DATA Statement: The Natural reserved word `END-DEFINE` must be used to end the `DEFINE DATA` statement.