Variable Names With Numbers - UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

msb65 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008

Hi Everyone,

I was just curious if you are allowed to begin a variable name with a number. For example, I would really like to have the variable 8DAY_AVERAGE. But my shell script only seems to allow EIGHTDAY_AVERAGE. Is there a way I can get the former to work? I am using bash. Thanks a lot!

Mike

drl · #2 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008

Hi.

Quote:

name A word consisting only of alphanumeric characters and under-
scores, and beginning with an alphabetic character or an under-
score. Also referred to as an identifier.
...
A parameter is an entity that stores values. It can be a name, a num-
ber, or one of the special characters listed below under Special Param-
eters. A variable is a parameter denoted by a name. A variable has a
value and zero or more attributes.

-- excerpts from man bash

The man pages are your friends ... cheers, drl

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