NULL

 NULL ([mold])

 Class:  Transformational function - Generic

 Initializes a pointer as disassociated when it is declared.

 Argument "mold" is optional and must be a pointer; it can be of any
 type.

 The status of the pointer can be associated, disassociated, or
 undefined.  If the pointer's status is associated, the target does
 not have to be defined with a value.

 The result type is the same as "mold", if present.  Otherwise, the
 type (and rank) is determined by the pointer that becomes
 associated with the result:


 If NULL () Appears...         Type is Determined From...
 ------------------------      -----------------------------------
 Right side of pointer         The pointer on the left side
   assignment

 Initialization for an         The object
   object in a declaration

 Default initialization        The component
   for a component

 In a structure constructor    The corresponding component

 As an actual argument         The corresponding dummy argument

 In a DATA statement           The corresponding pointer object

 It returns a disassociated pointer.

 Example:

   INTEGER, POINTER :: POINT1 => NULL()

 This statement defines the initial association status of POINT1 to
 be disassociated.