Microsoft KB Archive/23580

Using “Data” as a Variable Name ID Number: Q23580

1.25-5.00 MS-DOS buglist4.00

Problem: When a program uses “data” as a variable but never declares “data” as a variable, MASM does not flag it as incorrect usage.

Response: We do not recommend using “data” as a variable name, now or in the future. The problem occurred when MASM was rewritten in “C”, and changing MASM to allow “data” as a variable name at this time could be difficult. “Data” most probably will be added to the list of “Reserved Words” not to be used as variable names. “.DATA” is a reserved word since Version 5.00; “DATA” is not.