Local GLOBAL declarations

[Mike Trader]

I have two functions that need a LOCAL variable (Index)
that keeps the value it had from the last call.

So I used:

DIM Index AS GLOBAL LONG

This works fine.

Then I noticed that i accidentally deleted the declaaration from ONE
of the functions and yet the program still compiled!

As the variable name is the same in the other functions I assumed
that somehow the declaration in one function is covering the other
function

Is this a bug?

If not is the value of this variable going to be the same
in each very different function?

If it is the same what happens when I declare Index in each function
as a GLOBAL variable?


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Kind Regards
Mike

[Mike Burns]

Mike,

A GLOBAL is available throughout the scope of the program.
To make a local variable retain its value between calls use

STATIC Index as Long

this goes inside the sub/function and is local to that
sub/function only.

Mike

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[Mike Trader]

So whats a GLOBAL inside a function then?

When would you use that?

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Kind Regards
Mike

[Mike Burns]

I will leave Lance or someone else to answer that question. The only time
I use GLOBAL inside a function or sub is when I DIM/REDIM an array that
I have declared GLOBAL. I do this to insure that I am working
with the correct array and not one I happened to have named the same
inside a sub/function for local use. I wouldn't normally name a
local array (or variable) the same is a GLOBAL one but I have been
known to mess up on occasion.

Lance/Tom and others may know of a reason to use GLOBAL inside
a sub/function that I am unaware of.

Mike

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[Eric Pearson]

Using DIM X AS GLOBAL LONG inside a sub or function is exactly the same as using GLOBAL X AS LONG outside a sub or function.

If you want a local variable, use LOCAL not GLOBAL.

-- Eric


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[This message has been edited by Eric Pearson (edited September 14, 2001).]

[Mike Trader]

OK got it. Thx guys

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Kind Regards
Mike