How use variable Posts

Perl is a loosely typed language with only three types of variables: scalars, arrays, and hashes. Use $ for a scalar variable, @ for an array, or % for a hash (an associative array). The scalar variable type is used for anytype of simple data such as strings, integers, and numbers. In Perl, you identify and use a variable with a $ even within strings

Declaring variables is optional unless you click Program | Compiler Warnings while in the ObjectPAL editor for every form, script, and library you create. Using Compiler Warnings is strongly recommended to avoid incorrectly typing an existing variable and to avoid any confusion about variable scope. Also recommended is turning on Compile with Debug for every form, script, and library too for tighter, cleaner code.

Undeclared variables are AnyType variables. Common data types include Currency, Date, Datetime, Logical, LongInt, Number, SmallInt, String, and Time.

Declare local variables within a method. If you want a local static variable (retains it's value because it is not destroyed), declare the varialbes above the method. Variables declared in an object's Var window are visible to all methods attached to that object, and objects that it contains.

ObjectPAL code blocks are surrounded by statement ending keywords that all use End with camel caps such as endMethod, endVar, endIf, endSwitch, and endTry.

Although pointer data types in Prism coding are less important than in other languages such as C++, Prism does support developer defined pointers. Use the ^ operator to declare a pointer data type. Use the @ operator to return the current address of a variable.

In .Net managed coding the use of pointers is not safe because the garbage collector may move memory around. To safely use pointers, use the unsafe keyword. However, avoid unsafe code if possible.

VB.Net doesn't support pointers. The closest it comes is IntPtr which you use to get pointer handles on windows, files, etc.

C# does have better support for pointers and C++/CLI has extensive support. One solution when it's really needed in VB.Net is to code in C# or C++/CLI and add it to your project.

However, VB.Net does support references.