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Global_Variable Command

See Also: Global Variables, DataFlex Built-in Global Variables

Purpose

Use the Global_Variable command to ensure a variable declaration is unambiguously defined as being global when so intended.

Syntax

For Strings

Global_Variable {data-type} {variable-name} [{maximum-length}]

For All Other Data Types

Global_Variable {data-type} {variable-name}

Parameters

  • {data-type}: The name of the global variable that is being declared.
  • {variable-name}: The name of the global variable that is being declared.
  • {maximum-length}: The maximum number of characters that the global string can contain; between 1 and 4096. If {maximum-length} is omitted, the global String variable's length will be 80 characters.

What It Does

Variables declared outside procedures and functions are implicitly global, but using the Global_Variable command reduces ambiguity and clearly declares the intent for a variable to be global. This practice minimizes the chance of code misinterpretation.

You can also use the Global_Variable command to declare global variables inside functions and procedures, but this technique is strongly discouraged, as it creates code that is difficult to follow.

Example

Global_Variable String gsCompanyName

This example defines a global String variable named gsCompanyName (with an implied maximum length of 80 characters).