Host variables

Use host variables to pass a single data item between IMS and your application.

A host variable is a single data item that is declared in the host language to be used within an SQL statement. You can use host variables in application programs that are written in COBOL to perform the following actions:

• Retrieve data into the host variable for your application program's use
• Use the data in the dynamic SQL statement host variables that have parameter marker during the EXECUTE, PREPARE, and OPEN calls