4.1 Definition

Variables are explicitly named memory locations with a certain type. When assigning values to variables, the Free Pascal compiler generates machine code to move the value to the memory location reserved for this variable. Where this variable is stored depends on where it is declared:

• Global variables are variables declared in a unit or program, but not inside a procedure or function. They are stored in fixed memory locations, and are available during the whole execution time of the program.
• Local variables are declared inside a procedure or function. Their value is stored on the program stack, i.e. not at fixed locations.

The Free Pascal compiler handles the allocation of these memory locations transparently, although this location can be influenced in the declaration.

The Free Pascal compiler also handles reading values from or writing values to the variables transparently. But even this can be explicitly handled by the programmer when using properties.

Variables must be explicitly declared when they are needed. No memory is allocated unless a variable is declared. Using a variable identifier (for instance, a loop variable) which is not declared first, is an error which will be reported by the compiler.