Difference between Environ("USERNAME") and Environ$("USERNAME")

I'm even ashamed of asking but what is the difference in using Environ("USERNAME") or Environ$("USERNAME")?

And from my readings, coders advice to use an "Option Explicit" factor. Why? And where to you put it in your code?

EDIT: For instance, I deviced the following code from help from all around. I placed a question regarding part of it last week here but no answer, and I needed help on something related on MrExcel, but I figured it already, so I'll advice them shortly:

Please Login or Register  to view this content.

As you notice my code is novice, do I need the Option Explicit thingy (or anything else) there? So far it works, so I'm so proud of myself...

Thanks,

Hi ron2k_1,
When you use "Option Explicit" in the first line of module you force the declaration of all variables using the Dim as string long ect. This sets memory aside for the variable and the code know how to use the value. Very good idea to always use it for error checking.
Other wise you get an error.

the $ is short hand for declaring string
Dim UserName As String can also be dim UserName$
hope it helps

But you can do without:

Please Login or Register  to view this content.

For common perspectives among professionals, ...

Chip Pearson has a good explanation at http://www.cpearson.com/excel/DeclaringVariables.aspx

See Use Option Explicit and Avoid Variants at http://www.fmsinc.com/tpapers/vbacode/

See http://blogs.msdn.com/b/developingfo...do-in-vba.aspx

Relevant to ASP rather thanVBA, but same principal, see http://www.4guysfromrolla.com/webtec...ate/faq6.shtml