Scripting Guide - SAS

80 JSL Building Blocks Chapter 5
Global and Local Variables
Preceding local variables with the Local() function is another option. Both a and b are local variables in
the following expression:
Local( {a = 1, b}, ... )
Scoping operators also distinguish a global variable from a local variable. For more information, see “Name
Resolution” on page 97.
The following sections describe functions that help you manage variables.
Show Symbols, Clear Symbols, and Delete Symbols
The Show Symbols() function lists all variables and namespaces that are defined both globally and in the
local script, along with their current values. Here is an example of Show Symbols() messages that are
shown in the log:
Show Symbols();
// Here
a = 5;
b = 6;
// 2 Here
// Global
c = 10;
// 1 Global
Tip: The JSL debugger also shows you the values of variables and namespaces. See “Debug Scripts” on
page 56 in the “Scripting Tools” chapter for more information.
The Clear Symbols() function erases the values set for variables that are defined both globally and in the
local script. For example, after you clear and then show symbols, the variables are empty.
Clear Symbols();
Show Symbols();
// Here
a = Empty;
b = Empty;
// 2 Here
// Global
c = Empty;
// 1 Global
Note: The older Show Globals() and Clear Globals() functions are aliases of the newer Show
Symbols() and Clear Symbols() functions.
To remove all global variables and namespaces, use the function Delete Symbols(). After the last Show
Symbols() in the following script is run, nothing shows up in the log. All variables have been completely
removed from memory.
Delete Symbols();
Show Symbols();