Understanding the ActionScript Language > About variables > Variable declaration |  |

Variable declaration

To declare Timeline variables, use the `set variable` action or the assignment (`=`) operator. Both methods achieve the same results.

To declare local variables, use the `var` statement inside the body of a function. A local variable is scoped to the block, and expires at the end of the block. A local variable not declared within a block expires at the end of its script.

To declare global variables, use the `_global` identifier before the variable name. The following example creates the global variable `myName`:

    _global.myName = "George";

To test the value of a variable, use the `trace` action to send the value to the Output window. For example, `trace(hoursWorked)` sends the value of the variable `hoursWorked` to the Output window in test mode. You can also check and set the variable values in the Debugger in test mode. For more information, see Testing a movie.