A reference to data in program code is resolved during execution of the program code. A request to resolve the reference is classified based on a state of the referenced data and a source of the request. A transitional resolution for the reference is provided if the referenced data state indicates no accessible definition and resolution of the reference is allowed according to the request classification. A full resolution for the reference is provided if the referenced data state indicates an accessible definition according to the request classification. The request is removed only if the reference resolution is a full resolution.