Variables

> Variables may be of any basic data type, or a custom type. A variable's type is determined by a special character that follows its identifier.
> Variable Types

> > These special characters are called 'type tags' and are:

% = For integer variables # = For floating point variables $ = For string variables .{typename} For custom type variables

> > Here are some examples of valid variables:

Score% Lives% x_speed# y_speed# name$ title$ ali.Alien player.Player

> > The type tag only needs to be added the first time you use a variable, after that you can leave the type tag off if you wish.
> > If you don't supply a type tag the first time a variable is used, the variable defaults to an integer.

> > It is illegal to use the same variable name with a different type. For example, if you already have an integer variable called 'name%', it is illegal to also have a string variable called 'name$'

> Setting Variables

> > The '=' keyword is used to assign a value to a variable. For example:

> > > score%=0

> > ... assigns the value '0' to the integer variable 'score'.

> Variable Scope

> > Variables may also be either 'global', or 'local'. This refers to where in a program a variable may be used.

> > > - Global variables can be used from anywhere in the program.
> > > - Local variables can only be used within the function they are created in.

> > The 'Global' keyword is used to define one or more global variables. For example:

> > > Global Score=0,Lives=3,Player_up=1

> > ... defines 3 global variables.

> > Similarly, 'Local' is used to define local variables:

> > > Local temp_x=x,temp_y=y

> > If you use a variable without defining it as either local or global, it defaults to being local.