> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ton.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

<AgentInstructions>

## Submitting Feedback

If you encounter incorrect, outdated, or confusing documentation on this page, submit feedback:

POST https://docs.ton.org/feedback

```json
{
  "path": "/tolk/syntax/variables",
  "feedback": "Description of the issue"
}
```

Only submit feedback when you have something specific and actionable to report.

</AgentInstructions>

# Variables

export const Aside = ({type = "note", title = "", icon = "", iconType = "regular", children}) => {
  const asideVariants = ["note", "tip", "caution", "danger"];
  const asideComponents = {
    note: {
      outerStyle: "border-sky-500/20 bg-sky-50/50 dark:border-sky-500/30 dark:bg-sky-500/10",
      innerStyle: "text-sky-900 dark:text-sky-200",
      calloutType: "note",
      icon: <svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 14 14" fill="currentColor" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" className="w-4 h-4 text-sky-500" aria-label="Note">
          <path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M7 1.3C10.14 1.3 12.7 3.86 12.7 7C12.7 10.14 10.14 12.7 7 12.7C5.48908 12.6974 4.0408 12.096 2.97241 11.0276C1.90403 9.9592 1.30264 8.51092 1.3 7C1.3 3.86 3.86 1.3 7 1.3ZM7 0C3.14 0 0 3.14 0 7C0 10.86 3.14 14 7 14C10.86 14 14 10.86 14 7C14 3.14 10.86 0 7 0ZM8 3H6V8H8V3ZM8 9H6V11H8V9Z"></path>
        </svg>
    },
    tip: {
      outerStyle: "border-emerald-500/20 bg-emerald-50/50 dark:border-emerald-500/30 dark:bg-emerald-500/10",
      innerStyle: "text-emerald-900 dark:text-emerald-200",
      calloutType: "tip",
      icon: <svg width="11" height="14" viewBox="0 0 11 14" fill="currentColor" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" className="text-emerald-600 dark:text-emerald-400/80 w-3.5 h-auto" aria-label="Tip">
          <path d="M3.12794 12.4232C3.12794 12.5954 3.1776 12.7634 3.27244 12.907L3.74114 13.6095C3.88471 13.8248 4.21067 14 4.46964 14H6.15606C6.41415 14 6.74017 13.825 6.88373 13.6095L7.3508 12.9073C7.43114 12.7859 7.49705 12.569 7.49705 12.4232L7.50055 11.3513H3.12521L3.12794 12.4232ZM5.31288 0C2.52414 0.00875889 0.5 2.26889 0.5 4.78826C0.5 6.00188 0.949566 7.10829 1.69119 7.95492C2.14321 8.47011 2.84901 9.54727 3.11919 10.4557C3.12005 10.4625 3.12175 10.4698 3.12261 10.4771H7.50342C7.50427 10.4698 7.50598 10.463 7.50684 10.4557C7.77688 9.54727 8.48281 8.47011 8.93484 7.95492C9.67728 7.13181 10.1258 6.02703 10.1258 4.78826C10.1258 2.15486 7.9709 0.000106649 5.31288 0ZM7.94902 7.11267C7.52078 7.60079 6.99082 8.37878 6.6077 9.18794H4.02051C3.63739 8.37878 3.10743 7.60079 2.67947 7.11294C2.11997 6.47551 1.8126 5.63599 1.8126 4.78826C1.8126 3.09829 3.12794 1.31944 5.28827 1.3126C7.2435 1.3126 8.81315 2.88226 8.81315 4.78826C8.81315 5.63599 8.50688 6.47551 7.94902 7.11267ZM4.87534 2.18767C3.66939 2.18767 2.68767 3.16939 2.68767 4.37534C2.68767 4.61719 2.88336 4.81288 3.12521 4.81288C3.36705 4.81288 3.56274 4.61599 3.56274 4.37534C3.56274 3.6515 4.1515 3.06274 4.87534 3.06274C5.11719 3.06274 5.31288 2.86727 5.31288 2.62548C5.31288 2.38369 5.11599 2.18767 4.87534 2.18767Z"></path>
        </svg>
    },
    caution: {
      outerStyle: "border-amber-500/20 bg-amber-50/50 dark:border-amber-500/30 dark:bg-amber-500/10",
      innerStyle: "text-amber-900 dark:text-amber-200",
      calloutType: "warning",
      icon: <svg className="flex-none w-5 h-5 text-amber-400 dark:text-amber-300/80" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 24 24" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" aria-label="Warning">
          <path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" d="M12 9v2m0 4h.01m-6.938 4h13.856c1.54 0 2.502-1.667 1.732-3L13.732 4c-.77-1.333-2.694-1.333-3.464 0L3.34 16c-.77 1.333.192 3 1.732 3z"></path>
        </svg>
    },
    danger: {
      outerStyle: "border-red-500/20 bg-red-50/50 dark:border-red-500/30 dark:bg-red-500/10",
      innerStyle: "text-red-900 dark:text-red-200",
      calloutType: "danger",
      icon: <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" className="text-red-600 dark:text-red-400/80 w-4 h-4" aria-label="Danger">
          <path d="M17.1 292c-12.9-22.3-12.9-49.7 0-72L105.4 67.1c12.9-22.3 36.6-36 62.4-36l176.6 0c25.7 0 49.5 13.7 62.4 36L494.9 220c12.9 22.3 12.9 49.7 0 72L406.6 444.9c-12.9 22.3-36.6 36-62.4 36l-176.6 0c-25.7 0-49.5-13.7-62.4-36L17.1 292zm41.6-48c-4.3 7.4-4.3 16.6 0 24l88.3 152.9c4.3 7.4 12.2 12 20.8 12l176.6 0c8.6 0 16.5-4.6 20.8-12L453.4 268c4.3-7.4 4.3-16.6 0-24L365.1 91.1c-4.3-7.4-12.2-12-20.8-12l-176.6 0c-8.6 0-16.5 4.6-20.8 12L58.6 244zM256 128c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24l0 112c0 13.3-10.7 24-24 24s-24-10.7-24-24l0-112c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24zM224 352a32 32 0 1 1 64 0 32 32 0 1 1 -64 0z"></path>
        </svg>
    }
  };
  let variant = type;
  let gotInvalidVariant = false;
  if (!asideVariants.includes(type)) {
    gotInvalidVariant = true;
    variant = "danger";
  }
  const iconVariants = ["regular", "solid", "light", "thin", "sharp-solid", "duotone", "brands"];
  if (!iconVariants.includes(iconType)) {
    iconType = "regular";
  }
  return <>
      <div className={`callout my-4 px-5 py-4 overflow-hidden rounded-2xl flex gap-3 border ${asideComponents[variant].outerStyle}`} data-callout-type={asideComponents[variant].calloutType}>
        <div className="mt-0.5 w-4" data-component-part="callout-icon">
          {}
          {icon === "" ? asideComponents[variant].icon : <Icon icon={icon} iconType={iconType} size={14} />}
        </div>
        <div className={`text-sm prose min-w-0 w-full ${asideComponents[variant].innerStyle}`} data-component-part="callout-content">
          {gotInvalidVariant ? <p>
              <span className="font-bold">
                Invalid <code>type</code> passed!
              </span>
              <br />
              <span className="font-bold">Received: </span>
              {type}
              <br />
              <span className="font-bold">Expected one of: </span>
              {asideVariants.join(", ")}
            </p> : <>
              {title && <p className="font-bold">{title}</p>}
              {children}
            </>}
        </div>
      </div>
    </>;
};

* Use `val` for immutable variables and `var` for mutable variables.
* Use `const` or `global` outside functions.

## Declaration

* `val` declares a variable that is assigned exactly once:

  ```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
  fun demo() {
      val coeff = 5;
      // cannot change its value, `coeff += 1` is an error
  }
  ```

* `var` declares a variable that can be reassigned:

  ```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
  fun demo() {
      var x = 5;
      x += 1;      // now 6
  }
  ```

### Explicit types

A variable may declare its type explicitly. If the type is not specified, it is inferred from the initial assignment:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
fun demo() {
    var x = 5;         // inferred `int`
    x = null;          // error, cannot assign

    var y: int? = 5;   // specified nullable
    y = null;          // ok
}
```

Explicit types also can be used with structures:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
fun demo() {
    var p1: Point = { x: 10, y: 20 };

    // without an explicit type, use `Point { ... }`
    var p2 = Point { x: 10, y: 20 };
}
```

### Unassigned variables

A variable may be declared without an initial value, but it must be assigned before its first use:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
fun demo(mode: int) {
    var result: int;  // not assigned at declaration

    if (mode == MODE_SLOW) {
        result = doSlowCalc();
    } else if (mode == MODE_FAST) {
        result = doFastCalc();
    } else {
        throw ERR_INVALID_MODE;
    }
    return result;   // ok, it's definitely assigned
}
```

### Multiple variables

Declaring multiple variables at once is tensor destructuring:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
fun demo() {
    var (a, b) = (1, "");

    // with explicit types
    var (c: int, d: slice) = (1, "");
}
```

### Nested scope

A block `{ ... }` introduces a nested scope:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
fun demo() {
    val x = 10;
    if (smth) {
        val x = 50;  // this is a different `x`
    }
    // x is 10
}
```

## Function parameters

Function parameters behave the same as local variables. They can be reassigned, but the reassignment does not affect the caller's state:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
fun analyze(userId: int?) {
    if (userId == null) {
        userId = DEFAULT_ID;
    }
    // ...
}

fun demo() {
    var id = null as int?;
    analyze(id);
    // id remains `null`
}
```

To make updates to `userId` visible in `demo`, declare the parameter with [`mutate`](/languages/tolk/syntax/mutability#mutate-for-a-parameter): `mutate userId`.

## Constants

Global-scope constants are declared with `const` outside functions:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
const SLEEP_TIME_SEC = 5
```

The right-hand side must be a constant expression: numbers, const literals, compile-time functions, etc.

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
// ok
const FLAG_JANUARY = 1 << 10
const OP_TRANSFER = "transfer".crc32()

// error: not a constant expression
const CUR_TIME = blockchain.now()
```

The type is inferred unless explicitly specified:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
const MODE_NORMAL: uint32 = 0
```

Constants are not limited to integers:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
// type `address`
const ADMIN_ADDR = address("UQ...")

// type `coins`
const MINIMAL_COST = ton("0.05")

// even objects with constant fields
const ZERO_POINT: Point = { x: 0, y: 0 }
```

To calculate CRC32 and similar values at compile time, use [`"...".crc32()`](/languages/tolk/types/strings#compile-time-methods) and similar compile-time methods.

To group integer constants, use [enums](/languages/tolk/types/enums).

## Global variables

Use the `global` keyword to declare variables outside functions:

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
global runtimeCalls: tuple
```

A `global` must have an explicit type and cannot be initialized at the point of declaration. Initialization is done manually at some point in a program. A contract has several entry points, such as `get fun`, `onInternalMessage`, and others.

A `global` must be initialized along the execution path where it is required.

```tolk theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"dark-plus"},"languages":{"custom":["/resources/grammars/tolk.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tlb.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/fift.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/tasm.tmLanguage.json","/resources/grammars/func.tmLanguage.json"]}}
global runtimeCalls: tuple

fun execute() {
    runtimeCalls.push("start execute");
    // ...
}

get fun devTrace() {
    runtimeCalls = [];   // initialize
    val result = execute();
    return (result, runtimeCalls);
}
```

In Tolk, avoid globals when possible. Use [auto-serialization](/languages/tolk/features/auto-serialization) and [`lazy` loading](/languages/tolk/features/lazy-loading).

<Aside type="caution">
  Use globals with care. Until initialized, a global holds TVM `NULL`, and any invalid access leads to a runtime failure.
</Aside>