Predefined address NULL

NULL is a predefined address of the “pointer” data class.

Format

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NULL

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Syntax rules

1. This format can only be used in the following cases:

   • as a parameter in a CALL statement with a program prototype

   • as a parameter in a method call

   • as the sending item in a SET statement or INITIALIZE statement

   • in a relation condition with a data pointer or program pointer

General rules

1. When used together with a data pointer, the predefined address NULL indicates a data item of the class “pointer”, which does not contain a valid address for data in COBOL.

2. When used together with a program pointer, the predefined address NULL indicates a data item of the data class “pointer”, which does not contain a valid address for programs in COBOL.