A variable is a data structure. Variables can hold one piece of data of one data type.
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Why use variables? Variables are reusable. If a value changes, no problem! |
Things like a character's name, health, and number of lives. Anytime you need you need to reserve computer memory to store a single number or single piece of text, you will store them in a variable.
Assigning / Storing a Value in a Variable
To store a value in you use the equals sign.
myName$ = "Bobo, the funny monkey"
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Assign vs. Store Some programmers use the term "assign a value to" rather than "store a value in" a variable. There is no difference except in the terminology used. |
Whatever is on the right side of the equals sign will be stored in the variable on the left side.
Creating / Declaring / Defining Variables
Variable Names
Valid variable names can begin with a letter, number, or underscore ( _ ). Variable names cannot contains spaces or other non alphanumeric characters except the underscore.
Failing to properly name your variables with valid identifiers (names) will cause an error
- Explicit - use explicit variable declaration
- Destroy Variable
- Draw | Display | Show Variable
- Global Variables
- If Variable
- Local
- Set Variable
Data Types
The "data" stored in variables usually has to be of a specific type. There are three kinds of data types in PlayBasic. String variables are used for holding messages and other things dealing with ''text''. Integer variables are used for math-related operations such as hit points. Real (floating point) variables are used for anything that requires a decimal fraction.
Related Pages
- array - like a variable, but it can hold many values instead of one
- data
- constant
- list of common variable names
- type
Reference
How To's
Tutorials
Links
| Categories: Data : Variables |