assignment
Storing the value of an expression in a {variable}. This is commonly written in the form "v ◦ e". In
{Algol} the assignment operator was ":◦" (pronounced
"becomes") to avoid mathematicians qualms about writing
statements like x ◦ x:1.
Assignment is not allowed in {functional languages}, where an
{identifier} always has the same value.
See also {referential transparency}, {single assignment},
{zero assignment}.
(1996-08-19)