[kosciusko51]

From a Fortran manual:

The primary purpose of the DATA statement is to give names to constants; instead of referring to pi as 3.141592653589793 at every appearance, the variable PI can be given that value with a DATA statement and used instead of the longer form of the constant. This also simplifies modifying the program, should the value of pi change.

[dayglored]

> This also simplifies modifying the program, should the value of pi change.

LOL!

[Stosh]

“This also simplifies modifying the program, should the value of pi change.”

That just makes it possible to still use the program if you have to run it in Indiana: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pi_Bill

(Sorry - I can never pass up an opportunity to pick at Hoosiers or Cheeseheads)