Use of dollar ($) in scripting

Hi
I am new to scripting with Mikrotik but not new to programming. I have been looking through the scripting manual and have noticed that variables are declared for example :local a 5 then when the variable is used a $ sign has been added at the beginning eg :put " 5x6 = $($a * $b)"; I can’t see anywhere why this is. I have tried some simple scripts and left the $ off and it doesn’t seem to make any difference. Can someone please explain the use of the $? I’m sure its very simple.

Does anyone know where I can get more detailed information on the scripting language apart from the scripting manual?

its simple

  • variable with dollar means that you want to get value of the variable.
    example :put $a; (prints the value stored in a)
  • variable without $ means that you either defining it or setting a value to the variable
    example :set a 3; (set value to 3)

I was right it was VERY simple. Thanks for your help