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Understanding Name Rules for Variables in VEXcode VR

In VEXcode VR, you are required to give a name to a new variable when you create one.

Valid Name Rules

Variable names must be unique, but there are other specifications that the name must follow. 

Variable names are used in the following places:

  1. Numeric (created using “Make variable”)
  2. Boolean (created using “Make a boolean”)
  3. List (created using “Make a List”)
  4. 2D List (created using “Make a 2D List”)


Here is an overview of the criteria when choosing a valid name:

  • The name cannot use special characters.Variable name error for using a special character in VEXcode VR
  • The name has to begin with a letter. It cannot start with a number.Variable named myVariable showing a valid name that starts with a letter
  • The name cannot use spaces.Variable names must be entered as one continuous word in VEXcode VR
  • The name cannot be a reserved word in VEXcode VR. A reserved word is a word or name that VEXcode VR is already using. Examples of reserved words that cannot be used as variable names in VEXcode VRExamples: for, while, break, else, not.
  • The name has to be unique (only used once), but you can have different cases (one uppercase and one lowercase).Variable names 'myVariable' and 'MyVariable' are treated as different names in VEXcode VR

Possible Name Errors

When you create a variable name, if you see a “Name Taken” error, it means there is a duplicate name in any of the groups above. 

Variable name already in use warning in the VEXcode VR Variables block list

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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