Data items are defined in a data dictionary. You can assign a value to a data item, or get the value of a data item in any procedure. The following is an example of the use of data items:
However, in developing a data entry or batch edit application, it will frequently be necessary to define variables that do not exist in the data file(s) attached to the application. These variables may be used throughout the application, but only exist during the execution of the application.