COBOL - Data Division

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Data names must be defined in the Data Division before using them in the Procedure Division. They must have a user-defined name. reserved words cannot be used. Data names give reference to the memory locations where actual data is stored. They can be elementary or group type.

Example:

The following example shows valid and invalid data names −

1. Valid Name

   • WS-FIRST-NAME

   • COUNT

   • B1000

   • 1000B

   
   
2. Invalid Name

   • MOVE (Reserved Word)

   • ADD (Reserved Word)

   • 100 (No Alphabet)

   • 100+B (+ is not allowed)

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