# Directives

SHORT_FORM | Use Short Variable Names

## Format

SHORT_FORM

## Description

Use the SHORT_FORM directive to have the compiler input-parsing accept only short variable names (emulation/compatibility mode). Its complementary directive is LONG_FORM, which allows long variable names.

Programs can be written in either SHORT_FORM or LONG_FORM or in a combination of both and can run in either mode.

#### Note:
This directive is included for compatibility with other languages.

## See Also

LONG_FORM Use Long Variable Names
'SF' Short Form Variables

## Example

short_form
ABCDE$="ABCDE$ IS NOT OK"
Error #20: Syntax error ...BCDE$="ABC... (Long variable name not accepted)
A$="A$ IS OKAY"
long_form
LONG_NAME$="LONG_NAME$ IS OK"