OS/2 Procedures Language 2/REXX


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SYMBOL




 >>--SYMBOL(name)---------------><

SYMBOL returns the state of the symbol named by name. If name is not a 
valid REXX symbol, BAD is returned. SYMBOL returns VAR if it is the name 
of a variable (that is, a symbol that has been assigned a value). 
Otherwise, SYMBOL returns LIT, indicating that it is either a constant 
symbol or a symbol that has not yet been assigned a value (that is, a 
literal). 
As with symbols in REXX expressions, lowercase characters in name are 
translated to uppercase and substitution in a compound name occurs if 
possible. 
Note:    You should specify name as a literal string (or derived from an 
         expression) to prevent substitution before it is passed to the 
         function. 
 
 Here are some examples: 

 /* following: Drop A.3;  J=3 */
 SYMBOL('J')      ->   'VAR'
 SYMBOL(J)        ->   'LIT' /* has tested "3"     */
 SYMBOL('a.j')    ->   'LIT' /* has tested "A.3"   */
 SYMBOL(2)        ->   'LIT' /* a constant symbol  */
 SYMBOL('*')      ->   'BAD' /* not a valid symbol */
 
   

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