# Creating a local variable

1. Start editing the real-time application.
2. In the menu bar, click Program.

3. You cannot create variables when a filter is active.

4. In the local variable table, click +.
5. Name the new local variable uniquely.

6. Identifiers are case insensitive and must begin with a letter or underscore character. Multiple consecutive underscores or trailing underscores are not allowed.

7. Set the following values:

- section
- data type
- initial value

Adding a variable to a program

Data types