Embedded SQL statements use Ada variables to transfer data to and from the database or a form into the program. You must declare Ada variables and constants to Embedded SQL before using them in any Embedded SQL statements. Ada variables, types and constants are declared to Embedded SQL in a declaration section. This section has the following syntax:

Note that placing a label in front of the exec sql end declare section statement causes a preprocessor syntax error.

Embedded SQL variable declarations are global to the program file from the point of declaration onwards. You can incorporate multiple declaration sections into a single program, as would be the case when a few different Ada procedures issue embedded statements using local variables. Each procedure can have its own declaration section. For a discussion of the declaration of variables that are local to Ada procedures, see The Scope of Variables in this chapter.