The Legac-e Information Site

Working Storage

Working Storage comprises the data only elements that are included within the program or module.

The main items of Working Storage are described opposite.

By default the system will begin processing instructions at the Enry Point (EP) which will coincide with the Load Point (LP) unless directed otherwise. To avoid potential S0Cx ABENDS, data items in Assembler tend to be coded after the executable code.

Some common data item definitions follow on the next page.

Identifying Working Storage.

Assembler

In Assembler Working Storage tends to follow the executable instructions, and can be identified by the use of DC, and DS statements. A LTORG statement may also be present.

DC (Define Constant) allows a field to be given an initial value, whereas DS (Define Storage) does not.

COBOL

The WORKING-STORAGE SECTION in COBOL identifies the start of the data component, and it will comprise a number of PICTURE (PIC) clauses. If a VALUE clause is present it is equivalent to an Assembler DC otherwise it is equivalent to a DS.

PLI

In PLI Working Storage will comprise a number of DECLARE (DCL) statements which define individual fields either with or without initial (INIT) values. If an INIT clause is present it is equivalent to an Assembler DC otherwise it is equivalent to a DS.