1.5.1.2 Data Attribute Specification
Explicit data attributes are those you specify in actual COBOL coding.
Implicit data attributes are default values. If you do not explicitly code a data attribute, the compiler assumes a default value.
For example, you need not specify the USAGE of a data item. If it is omitted and the symbol N is not specified in the PICTURE clause, the default is USAGE DISPLAY, which is the implicit data attribute.
X When PICTURE clause symbol N is used, USAGE DISPLAY-1 is assumed (for DBCS
X items). If, however, you specify USAGE DISPLAY in COBOL coding, it becomes an explicit data attribute.
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