Specifications

Chapter 5. Data Types
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5.2 Variables
A variable is a symbolic name that refers to a unit of data storage. The contents of a variable
can change during program execution.
5.2.1 Types of Variables according to Format
Variables are classified into two types: string variables and numeric variables, each of which is
subclassified into non-array and array types.
Array variables should be declared in any of the
DIM, COMMON, and DEFREG statements.
Note that the
DIM statement should precede statements that will access the array variable.
BHT-BASIC can handle array variables up to two-dimensional.
The subscript range for an array variable is from 0 to 254.
[ 1 ] String Variables
A string variable should consist of 1 through 255 characters.
• Non-array string variables
A non-array string variable should be formatted with an identifier followed by a dollar sign
($) as shown below.
Syntax: identifier$
Example: a$,bcd123$
The default number of characters for a non-array string variable is 40.
• Array string variables
An array string variable should be formatted with an identifier followed by a dollar sign ($)
and a pair of parentheses () as shown below.
Syntax:
identifier$(subscript[,subscript])
Example: a$(2),bcd123$(1,3)
Where a pair of parentheses indicates an array.
The default number of characters for an array string variable is 20.
Classification of Variables Example
String variables Non-array type ab3$
Array type One-dimensional
Two-dimensional
e$ (10)
gh$ (1,3)
Numeric variables Integer variables Non-array type a%
Array type One-dimensional
Two-dimensional
e% (10)
fg% (2,3)
Real variables Non-array type a,bcd
Array type One-dimensional
Two-dimensional
e (10)
fg (2,3)