Defining Global Data

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# 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:

- Function

- Syntax Description

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 GDA (see Global Data Area).

## Syntax Description

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 Data Area 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.

### On this page

- Function
- Syntax Description