Variable Names

The scripting language can define variables in command files and do calculations on variables using expressions.

Defining Variables

Variables are defined and used in the form #varname where varname is any valid variable name. A number sign must always be used to indicate a variable. The rules for a valid variable name after the number sign are:

• It must start with a letter or underscore
• It can be followed by any number of additional upper or lower case letters, underscores, or numbers.
• It may end in a dollar sign ($)
• Variable names are case sensitive.

Initializing a Variable

A variable is initially defined in an assignment statement such as:

#x=1

where the variable is set equal to the right side of the equals sign which can be any valid expression. A variable cannot be used in an expression until it has been defined.

Variable Arrays

Any valid variable name can be a variable array by following it with an expression in square brackets

#y[#j]=1

where

• The expression in the square brackets must evaluate to an integer index into the array.
• Multidimensional arrays are allowed such as #z[#i][#j]
• There is no need to define the dimension of arrays.