a *x* b = x c

unanchored assignment There is no back referencing.

x = "abc"

a *x* x

is an unanchored search for ‘abc’ Function declaration is different. The function declaration is done at compile time by the use of the label ‘define’. Thus there is no ability to define functions at run time and the use of the name ‘define’ is preempted. There is also no provision for automatic variables other than the parameters. For example: or All labels except ‘define’ (even ‘end’) must have a non-empty statement. If ‘start’ is a label in the program, program execution will start there. If not, execution begins with the first executable statement. ‘define’ is not an executable statement. There are no builtin functions. Parentheses for arithmetic are not needed. Normal precedence applies. Because of this, the arithmetic operators ‘/’ and ‘*’ must be set off by space. The right side of assignments must be non-empty. Either or " may be used for literal quotes. The pseudo-variable ‘sysppt’ is not available. Snobol III manual. (JACM; Vol. 11 No. 1; Jan 1964; pp 21)