The SQL Communications Area (SQLCA) consists of a number of variables that contain error and status information accessible by the program. This information reflects only the status of executed embedded SQL database statements. Forms statements do not affect these variables. Because each embedded SQL statement has the potential to change values in the SQLCA, the application must perform any checking and consequent processing required to deal with a status condition immediately after the statement in question. If it does not, the next executed SQL statement changes the status information in the variables.

Each host language implements the SQLCA structure differently. For instructions on how to include the SQLCA in your applications, see the Embedded SQL Companion Guide.