Definition
Define a variable.
[global]
{ integer [variable]
| float [variable]
| boolean [variable]
| string [variable] }
VAR1 [is VALUE1] [VAR2 [is VALUE2]]...
global
This is a global variable. When one program transfers control to another program, the values of the global variables are retained and are available for use by the new program. All programs that use a global variable must define it as a global variable, specifying the same name and the same type. If a program executed with the change to program action statement initializes the global variable, the initialization does not override the value left behind by any earlier program.
VARn
The identifier for a variable name.
VALUEn
A compile-time value of the same type as the associated variables, representing the initial values of the variables.
Description
A variable is a named entity that holds a data value that can be changed during execution. Once defined, it can be referenced in the program (or in other programs to which control has been transferred, if the variable is defined as global in both programs).
The variable statement defines one or more variables. A variable must be defined before it is referenced.
When you define a variable, you must specify the name, type, and, optionally, its initial values. The type that you specify for a variable determines the type of value required for the initialization. You do not need to initialize variables when you define them. The following table lists the default initialization values for variables:
Type |
Default Initialization |
|
integer |
0 |
|
float |
0.00 |
|
boolean |
false |
|
string |
"" (null string) |
|
The maximum size for an ESL variable name is 255 characters.
Successful comparison of string variable values requires that both values be exactly the same. Neither value may contain trailing blanks.
If you specify string or variable alone, ESL assumes string variable.
If the variable is not defined as global, the variable defaults to a local variable. In a local variable, the value assigned will be retained only while that program is executing.
If the program is compiled with External Strings, then the initial value of string variables will be externalized.
Limits
The following table lists the value ranges for the different types of variables:
Type |
Value Range |
|
integer |
-2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647 |
|
float |
2.2E-308 to 1.8E+308 (15-digit precision) |
|
string |
2,147,483,646 characters |
|
Example
integer variable MaxHeight_IV is 10000
global variable Message_SV
boolean SuccessFlag_BV is true
variable City_SV is "BOSTON"
State_SV is "MA"
Country_SV is "USA"
See Also
append Action Statement
Array Definition and Reference
change to program Action Statement
copy Action Statement
extract from Action Statement
length of Special Inquiry Built-in Function
