The OpenSQL Descriptor Area (SQLDA) is an integral part of dynamic programming. The SQLDA is a host language structure used by dynamic OpenSQL as a storage space for information. When used with the describe statement, this information includes the name, data type, and length of the result columns, the form's fields, or the table field's columns. When the SQLDA is used with other dynamic forms statements, the information includes the data type, length, and addresses of the variables that either store values from the table or form or contain values to be placed in the table or form.

Dynamic OpenSQL uses the SQLDA to store information about each result column of the SELECT statement. Dynamic Forms Runtime System (FRS) uses the SQLDA to hold descriptive information about the fields of a described form or columns of a described table field. Both dynamic OpenSQL and dynamic FRS use the SQLDA to store descriptive information about program variables. The SQLDA must be used when executing a DESCRIBE statement. The SQLDA can optionally be used when executing a FETCH, OPEN, PREPARE, EXECUTE, or EXECUTE IMMEDIATE statement.