Delimiters

Delimiters allow the VectorScript compiler to distinguish variables, statements, and other language items as separate, meaningful objects within the script. The principal delimiters in VectorScript are spaces, tabs, and the newline character. VectorScript uses these characters to separate language objects, but otherwise ignores them. Delimiters cannot be inserted within a symbol; a delimiter placed within a symbol will break it into two separate items (and will generate a syntax error).

Certain lexical constructs in VectorScript can also function as delimiters while performing other functions within the script code. For example, the VectorScript compiler can process the mathematical expression

circumference:=2*3.14159*radius

because the * character and the term := both act as delimiters in addition to the other operations they perform. These terms, known as special symbols, are one type of lexical construct which perform this "double duty" in VectorScript. Others include comments and compiler directives; later sections will cover these items in greater detail.

Since spaces, tabs, and new lines do not have meaning to the VectorScript compiler, you are free to use them to indent and format your script code. This type of formatting makes your scripts easy to read and understand.