Variables and Scope in Calculeaf Worksheets

A name defined with := is stored on the worksheet and is available to every region that evaluates after it. There is no separate local scope for ordinary math.

Inputs w and L defined above the reaction R that uses both names. — w and L are defined above R. Evaluate All walks the page in that order, so R can use both names.

Where a name is visible

Evaluation order is visual: rows top to bottom, then left to right in each row. See Evaluation order for how rows are grouped. A definition sitting below a use, or to the right on a later row, is not in scope yet.

If you use a name too early, the region reports 'name' is not defined. Move the assignment up, or left on the same row.

Redefinition

A later := with the same name overwrites the value for everything after that point. There is no shadow stack. If you assign to a built-in name such as sin or pi, your value wins from that region onward.

What can be a name

Letters, digits, and underscores — w, L_span, sigma_x.
Greek letters — θ, σ_x. See Greek letters and symbols.
Dotted names such as N_b.Rd for code-style identifiers.

You cannot define a function with name(...):=. Calculeaf reports that function definitions are not supported. Use a built-in from Functions ▾, or write the expression out.

Other ways names enter scope

Lists and sliders inject their current values at their place in evaluation order. A 2D frame injects its result names when it sits in the sequence. Those names behave like assignments from that point down the page.