# System Functions

GBL( ) | Reference Global String Variable

## Formats

1. | Get/Maintain Entries: | GBL(string_name$[,contents$][,ERR=stmtref])
2. | Delete/List Single Value: | GBL({DELETE | LIST}string_name$[,ERR=stmtref])
3. | Delete/List All Up to Value: | GBL({DELETE | LIST} TO string_name$[,ERR=stmtref])
4. | Delete/List Table: | GBL({DELETE | LIST}*[,ERR=stmtref])

Where:

* | (Asterisk) Indicates all global string table entries.
contents$ | Value to assign to the global string. Optional. String expression.
stmtref | Program line number or statement label to which to transfer control.
string_name$ | Name of the global string in the internal table. String expression.

## Returns

Values in internal table of strings.

#### Note:
This function is primarily provided for compatibility with other languages and has been made virtually obsolete by global variables - a much more efficient way to handle common data elements (string, numeric, arrays, etc.).

## Description

The GBL( ) function returns and maintains the values in an internal table of string definitions.

## Format 1

Get/Maintain Entries
GBL(string_name$[,contents$][,ERR=stmtref])

Use this format to set or obtain the current value of the global string variable whose name you specify. If you include a contents value (optional), it will be placed into the global string variable.

## Format 2

Delete/List Single Value
GBL({DELETE | LIST}string_name$[,ERR=stmtref])

Use the GBL(DELETE ...) format to delete an individual global string from the table.

Use the GBL(LIST ...) format to have the function return an individual string.

## Format 3

Delete/List All Up to Value
GBL({DELETE | LIST} TO string_name$[,ERR=stmtref])

Use the GBL(DELETE TO ...) format to delete items up TO an individual global string from the table.

Use the GBL(LIST TO ...) format to have the function return a list of global string names up TO an individual item ($00$ separated).

## Format 4

Delete/List Table
GBL({DELETE | LIST}*[,ERR=stmtref])

Use the GBL(DELETE *) format to remove all entries from the table.

The GBL(LIST *) format returns the names of all strings in the table ($00$ separated).