VALUE clause

The VALUE clause specifies the initial contents of a data item or the values associated with a condition-name. The use of the VALUE clause differs depending on the DATA DIVISION section in which it is specified.

In the WORKING-STORAGE SECTION and the LOCAL-STORAGE SECTION, the VALUE clause can be used in condition-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, the value is unpredictable.