VALUE Clause
The VALUE clause specifies the initial contents of a data item or the value(s) associated with a condition-name.
- Format 1 - Literal Value
- Format 2 - Condition-Name Value
- IBM ExtensionIBM Extension Format 3 - NULL Value End of IBM ExtensionEnd of IBM Extension
The use of the VALUE clause differs depending on the Data Division section in which it is specified.
IBM Extension In the Linkage section, a VALUE clause used in entries other than condition-names is treated as a comment. End of IBM Extension
In the File and Linkage sections, the VALUE clause must be used only in condition-name and type-name entries. In the Working-Storage and Local-Storage Sections, the VALUE clause may be used in condition-name entries, type-name entries, or in specifying the initial value of any data item. The data item assumes the specified value at the beginning of program execution. If the initial value is not explicitly specified, it is unpredictable.