1.$ NUM = "52"
$ TYPE = F$TYPE(NUM)
$ SHOW SYMBOL TYPE
TYPE = "INTEGER"
This example uses the F$TYPE function to determine the data
type of the symbol NUM. NUM is equated to the character
string "52". Because the characters in the string form a valid
integer, the F$TYPE function returns the string INTEGER.
2.$ NUM = 52
$ TYPE = F$TYPE(NUM)
$ SHOW SYMBOL TYPE
TYPE = "INTEGER"
In this example, the symbol NUM is equated to the integer 52.
The F$TYPE function shows that the symbol has an integer data
type.
3.$ CHAR = "FIVE"
$ TYPE = F$TYPE(CHAR)
$ SHOW SYMBOL TYPE
TYPE = "STRING"
In this example, the symbol CHAR is equated to the character
string FIVE. Because the characters in this string do not form
a valid integer, the F$TYPE function shows that the symbol has
a string value.
4.$ x = F$CONTEXT("PROCESS",CTX,"USERNAME","SMITH")
$ TYPE = F$TYPE(CTX)
$ SHOW SYMBOL TYPE
TYPE = "PROCESS_CONTEXT"
$ x = F$CONTEXT("PROCESS",CTX,"CANCEL")
$ TYPE = F$TYPE(CTX)
$ SHOW SYMBOL TYPE
TYPE = ""
In this example, the F$TYPE function returns the string
PROCESS_CONTEXT because the symbol has been produced by a call
to the F$CONTEXT function with a context type of PROCESS. The
symbol returns this type until F$CONTEXT is called with the
symbol and the selection-item argument value CANCEL.