Reference a local or global variable in 4GL to access a simple field.The result of changing a local or global variable or hidden column is not displayed in the window.

Hidden elements are often used for storing the temporary results of calculations that 4GL performs. Here is an example:

In this example total is a visible field on a form that is adding up values, but current is a local variable that stores a subtotal to be added to the previous total.

While you can declare global variables using ABF frames associated with the Globals menu item, you declare local variables and hidden columns in a 4GL specification. The name of a local variable cannot correspond to the internal name of any field on the current form.