Element Reference Syntax in Working Storage Files

The LIKE verb directs the Lawson compilers to substitute the specific field type and size information for the element name, which follows the verb. Initialization in working storage is not required when low values (spaces, zeroes) are assumed.

For example, the following Lawson 4GL statement

          02  WS-COMPANY      LIKE  COMPANY.
        

could replace this statement.

          02  WS-COMPANY      PIC 9(04) VALUE ZEROES.