Introduction MTB Statements File System Compiler Applications Reference Guide Index

Language Structure Data Division I/O Format Division Procedure Division Mnemonics

Overview Variable Names Variable Types Variable Length Variable Classification Data Division Statements System Variables

Variable Classification

Each variable must be classified as "local" or "common." Local variables are those intended for a single program only. Common variables, on the other hand, are those to be shared with -- or "passed to" -- other MTB programs (program overlays or programs running in background partitions). Therefore, each variable must be defined according to its intended purpose within the application.

Common variables must be defined in the same order and with the same length (and precision) in all programs that share the data. They do not have to have the same variable names in separate programs, though; they just need to be mapped in the same order and with the same size.

See the LOCAL and COMMON statements for more information.

Also see:

Variable names
Variable types
Variable length