Varval

Varval is a term used in computing and data modeling to denote the current value stored in a variable. It is not a standard keyword in any single programming language; rather, it appears as a descriptive shorthand in documentation, templates, and debugging contexts to convey the result of evaluating a variable.

Originating from a portmanteau of "variable" and "value," varval functions as a contextual label rather than a fixed syntax. Its exact meaning varies by system, depending on whether it refers to retrieval, evaluation, or formatting of a variable’s value.

Typical uses include templating and code generation, where varval may indicate the point at which a variable reference is replaced with its runtime value. In debugging or logging practices, a format might reference varval(variable_name) to display the variable’s current content in messages or traces. In data schemas and UI data-binding examples, varval can be used descriptively to illustrate the value bound to a named variable.

Examples of its interpretation are context-dependent. In pseudocode, a statement like y = varval(x) would be read as assigning the current value of x to y, assuming the underlying system defines varval as a retrieval operation. In documentation, varval is often used to clarify what value a variable is expected to hold at a given point in a workflow.

Limitations include a lack of formal standardization, which can lead to ambiguity. When used, it should be clearly defined within the specific language, framework, or documentation to avoid misinterpretation.

See also: variable, value, evaluation, template variable, data binding.