Applying Naming Rules with Variables in VEXcode GO

In VEXcode GO, 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.
    Example of an invalid variable name. The name reads 'bigNumber!', which includes an exclamation mark. A warning reads Symbols not allowed.
  • The name has to begin with a letter. It cannot start with a number.
    Example of an invalid variable name. The name reads '2ndWheel', which begins with a number. A warning reads Letter required.
  • The name cannot use spaces.
    Example of an invalid variable name. The name reads 'previous number', which includes a space. A warning reads No spaces allowed.
  • The name cannot be a reserved word in VEXcode GO. A reserved word is a word or name that VEXcode GO is already using.
    Example of an invalid variable name. The name reads 'if', which is a word that VEXcode 123 is already using. A warning reads VEXcode keyword not allowed.
    Examples: 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).
    Example of an invalid variable name. The name reads 'counter', which is already defined in the project. A warning reads Name taken.

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. 

Example of a user creating a variable with a name that is already taken by another variable. A warning reads Name taken.

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

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