The consensus seems to be that allowing user-defined variables to have the same name as functions is in general a bad idea, and on reflection I tend to agree. On the other hand, I take Andreas's point that not being able to use "gamma" for a variable is a pain. Does the following sound too messy? * rename the gamma function to "gammafunc" * deprecate "gamma" as a function-name but retain it as an alias for the time being * allow "gamma" as a variable name As I said, using "gamma" in both roles shouldn't actually be a problem for gretl at present, but this way we're not opening the floodgates of confusion. The possible coexistence of gamma the function and gamma the variable is temporary, not explicitly advertised, and not a precedent. Any takers? Allin.