---
title: s.syntax.variable
description: "## Syntax **s.syntax.variable** ## Purpose The s.syntax.variable annotation is used to tag a span element as being a variable in a syntax diagram. This content will be included within a syntax diagram. ## Example The following is an example of…"
url: "https://www.stilo.com/docs/migrate/task/s-syntax-variable/"
updated: "2023-12-11"
category: Annotations / Task
tags:
  - Annotations
---

# s.syntax.variable

## Syntax

**s.syntax.variable**

## Purpose

The s.syntax.variable annotation is used to tag a span element as being a variable in a syntax diagram. This content will be included within a syntax diagram.

## Example

The following is an example of a time when you might want to use the annotation

![](https://www.stilo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/stilo-dita-xml-annotation-s.syntax.variable0.png)

 

The following is an example of a rule that will apply the annotation

![](https://www.stilo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/stilo-dita-xml-annotation-s.syntax.variable1.png)

The following is the DITA XML output for the rule:

>>-<kwd>2</kwd>--<oper>\*</oper>--**<var>user_input</var>**--<delim>=</delim>