can variable names end with a $ or &

  • Thread starter Thread starter oldyork90
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oldyork90

Can vba variable names end with a $ or &? And if they can, is there
something special about them?

I see rules that state: "The name can't contain a space or any of the
following characters: . ! # $ % & @"

But - here I am looking at at a program that has them...

Thank you.
 
Can vba variable names end with a $ or &? And if they can, is there
something special about them?

I see rules that state: "The name can't contain a space or any of the
following characters: . ! # $ % & @"

But - here I am looking at at a program that has them...

Thank you.
Click to expand...

Those are 'Type' symbols used as shortcuts for typing 'As <datatype>'.
They can be used to Dim/declare a variable but won't be needed when
using the variable in code...

Dim sData$ '//string
Dim lLastRow& '//long
Dim n% '//integer
..and so on...

sData = "MyName": lLastRow = 500: n = 0

...uses the variables without the 'Type' symbols. Note that there are
some structs that do not permit using 'Type' symbols, and VB will let
you know when you try using them inappropriately.

Note that some functions also implement the symbols. Some that come to
mind for string functions are...

Mid$()
Left$()
Right$()

--
Garry

Free usenet access at http://www.eternal-september.org
Classic VB Users Regroup!
comp.lang.basic.visual.misc
microsoft.public.vb.general.discussion
 
Here's a complete list of the symbols and their respective data type...

% integer

& long

! single-precision floating point

# double-precision floating point

$ string

@ currency

--
Garry

Free usenet access at http://www.eternal-september.org
Classic VB Users Regroup!
comp.lang.basic.visual.misc
microsoft.public.vb.general.discussion
 
GS said:
Note that some functions also implement the symbols. Some that come to
mind for string functions are...

Mid$()
Left$()
Right$()
Click to expand...

Look at pretty much any code I post that manipulates strings. I always
include the $ in the function's name. (Habit from the QB days, plus other
BASICs still require them.)
 
GS said:
Look at pretty much any code I post that manipulates strings. I
always include the $ in the function's name. (Habit from the QB
days, plus other BASICs still require them.)
Click to expand...

Yeah.., me too! I got into the habit of using the symbols when defining
vars just for the brevity. I've been posting a lot of replies that use
them just out of habit. I'm thinking if people understand what they
mean then so be it, but if not then it probably doesn't matter anyway
since those would be looking for 'turnkey' solutions they wouldn't
understand in the 1st place<g>!

--
Garry

Free usenet access at http://www.eternal-september.org
Classic VB Users Regroup!
comp.lang.basic.visual.misc
microsoft.public.vb.general.discussion
 
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