Lifetime and Initiation of Variables

The table below describes the lifetime of a variable and when a variable's initial value is set.

The lifetime of a variable refers to the period of time a variable exists. It depends on the module or submodule in which it is declared.

The initiation of a variable refers to when ATEasy sets a variable's initial value. The initial value can be set in the Value page of the variable's Properties window.

 

Module/Submodule

Lifetime of a Variable

Initiation of a Variable

Program

As long as the program is active. When multiple programs exist within a project, only one program can be active (running) at a time. Only variables from the active program are accessible. When a second program becomes active, variables from the first become inaccessible.

The initial value of the variable is set when the program runs.

System

As long as the application is running.

The initial value of the variable is set when the entire application is started.

Driver

As long as the application is running.

The initial value of the variable is set when the entire application is started.

Procedure

As long as the procedure is running (called). Procedure variables cannot be public.

The initial value of the variable is set when the procedure is called.

Form

As long as the form is loaded.

The initial value of the variable is set when the form is loaded.