temp

Type

Keyword

Purpose

The keyword temp specifies a temporary variable.

Syntax

define temp VARIABLE NAME datatype .

assign temp VARIABLE NAME := value .

Usage

A variable is used to store a value such as a text string or a calculated result that can change during the processing of a procedure. By specifying the variable's name in a script, the stored value can be used like any other value.

The status of a variable can be global (denoted by the keyword global) or temporary (denoted by the keyword temp).

Although a global variable can pass its value from one procedure to another, a temporary variable holds its value only while the current procedure is processing.

Note: Because the value in a variable is frequently accumulated as each record is processed, you cannot sort (e.g., using in order or in groups) the value stored in a variable.

Example

define temp "DISCOUNT" Number .

for RESERVATIONS with TOTAL DUE > 4000 ;

assign temp DISCOUNT := ( TOTAL DUE * 0.15) .

modify records

TOTAL DUE := ( TOTAL DUE - temp DISCOUNT ) .

end

This script tells DataEase: (1) Create (define) a temporary variable called DISCOUNT to store a number while processing the current script, (2) find all the RESERVATIONS records that have a value greater than $4000 in the TOTAL DUE field, (3) give (assign) the DISCOUNT variable a number value determined by multiplying the TOTAL DUE on each invoice by 15%, and (4) modify these RESERVATIONS records by subtracting the value of the DISCOUNT variable from the value in the TOTALDUE field.