88-level variables, also known as "condition name" variables, represent possible values of the "conditional variables" they’re tied to. An unused "condition name" variable is dead code. Such variables should be removed to increase the maintainability of the program.

Noncompliant Code Example

01 COLOR PIC X.
  88 COL-YELLOW VALUE 'Y'.
  88 COL-GREEN VALUE 'G'. *> Noncompliant; not used
  88 COL-RED VALUE 'R'.

* ...
IF COL-YELLOW
* ...
END-IF
IF COL-RED
* ...
END-IF

Compliant Solution

01 COLOR PIC X.
  88 COL-YELLOW VALUE 'Y'.
  88 COL-RED VALUE 'R'.

* ...
IF COL-YELLOW
* ...
END-IF
IF COL-RED
* ...
END-IF