V

value

The smallest unit of data that is manipulated in SQL.

variable

A data element that specifies a value that can be changed. A COBOL elementary data item is an example of a variable. Contrast with constant.

varying-length string

A character or graphic string whose length varies within set limits. Contrast with fixed-length string.

version

A member of a set of similar programs, DBRMs, packages, or LOBs.

A version of a program is the source code that is produced by precompiling the program. The program version is identified by the program name and a timestamp (consistency token).

A version of a DBRM is the DBRM that is produced by precompiling a program. The DBRM version is identified by the same program name and timestamp as a corresponding program version.

A version of a package is the result of binding a DBRM within a particular database system. The package version is identified by the same program name and consistency token as the DBRM.

A version of a LOB is a copy of a LOB value at a point in time. The version number for a LOB is stored in the auxiliary index entry for the LOB.

view

An alternative representation of data from one or more tables. A view can include all or some of the columns that are contained in tables on which it is defined.

Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM)

An access method for direct or sequential processing of fixed-and varying-length records on disk devices. The records in a VSAM data set or file can be organized in logical sequence by a key field (key sequence), in the physical sequence in which they are written on the data set or file (entry sequence), or by relative-record number (in z/OS).

VSAM

Virtual Storage Access Method.