Constants consist of character data (literals) that does not change from one processing of the program to the next. A constant is the actual data used in the output record rather than a name representing the location of the data.
A constant can be placed in positions 53 through 80. The constant must begin in position 54 (apostrophe in position 53), and it must end with an apostrophe even if it contains only numeric characters. Any apostrophe used within the constant must be entered twice; however, only one apostrophe appears when the constant is written out. The field name (positions 30 through 43) must be blank. Constants can be continued (see Continuation Rules for continuation rules). Instead of entering a constant, you can use a named constant.
Graphic and UCS-2 literals or named constants are not allowed as edit words, but may be specified as constants.