Variable outside function

[superklamer]

Hello,

I know this has been discussed already, but I just couldn't find the answer I was looking for. 

I have a function, that is reading a text file and outputs it to variable. How can I make that variable visible outside the function?

Local $TimeFile = ("test.txt")
FileOpen($TimeFile, 0)
Local $READTIMEFILE = FileReadLine($TimeFile)
FileClose($TimeFile)
Local $TimeRead = StringSplit($READTIMEFILE, ";")
For $i = 1 To $TimeRead[0]
   $VARIABLE = $TimeRead[2]
Next

How do I get the $VARIABLE outside my function? It will change throughout the script and I need to call this function a lot. I don't want to make this Global variable as it's constantly changing. Do I do a Dim? But how do I get it out of the function so the rest of the program can access it?

 

Thanks so much for the help in advance!!

[SmOke_N]

Use a Global variable instead of a local one or Return the value from the function.

[TheSaint]

You may be confusing Global with a static unchanging value, which is not the case.

Most people use either Global or the Return command, as SmOke_N said.

You can also pass things as parameters.

[superklamer]

Thanks a lot guys!!!

I used the Return and my functions is working great. 

My Code looks like this now:

Func TestFunc()
   Local $TimeFile = ("last.txt")
   FileOpen($TimeFile, 0)
   Local $READTIMEFILE = FileReadLine($TimeFile)
   FileClose($TimeFile)
   Local $TimeRead = StringSplit($READTIMEFILE, ";")
   For $i = 1 To $TimeRead[0]
      $VARIABLE= $TimeRead[2]
   Return $VARIABLE
Next
EndFunc

Just out of curiosity how would that look if I want to use a Global variable?

[SmOke_N]

Good job.

FYI, your function loops for no reason, you could just return $TimeRead[2] (if there are enough allocated dimensions).  $VARIABLE never changes the way you have it.

[superklamer]

You are right! That's even easier.

Sometimes all you need is just a little push in the right direction 

Func TestVar()
   Local $TimeFile = ("last.txt")
   FileOpen($TimeFile, 0)
   Local $READTIMEFILE = FileReadLine($TimeFile)
   FileClose($TimeFile)
   Local $TimeRead = StringSplit($READTIMEFILE, ";")
   Return $TimeRead[2]
Next
EndFunc

Thank you SmOke_N and TheSaint!

Edited November 18, 2014 by superklamer