What is a 'global variable' in the FANUC Handling Tool environment?

A 'global variable' in the FANUC Handling Tool environment refers to a memory location accessible throughout the entire program. This means that once a global variable is defined, it can be accessed and modified by any part of the program, including different subroutines and functions. This accessibility allows for consistent data sharing and manipulation across various sections of code, enabling smoother program flow and effective data management.

In contrast, other types of variables, like local variables, are limited to specific subroutines and cannot be accessed outside of those contexts. Temporary storage spaces, used for immediate calculations, are usually not retained after their use, while fixed parameters that cannot be changed indicate constants rather than variables, which doesn't align with the dynamic nature of global variables. Understanding the role and functionality of global variables is crucial for efficient programming and resource management in FANUC’s Handling Tool environment.