# Data type: anytype

**URL:** <https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/data-type-anytype/11280>\
**Category:** RAPID Programming\
**Tags:** datatype, procedures, programming, routines, system-parameters\
**Created:** [November 9, 2023, 7:13pm UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/data-type-anytype/11280 "2023-11-09T19:13:13Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![mandolas](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/user_avatar/tech-community.robotics.abb.com/mandolas/32/2496_2.png) [@mandolas](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/u/mandolas)\
**Post date:** [November 9, 2023, 7:13pm UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/data-type-anytype/11280/1 "2023-11-09T19:13:13Z")

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Hi…  
There is a possibility that I can pass an ANYTYPE parameter in one of my routines.

As RS does not handle method overloading, I would like to create a procedure where I can pass either a ‘num’ or a ‘string’ without having to use optional parameters.  
Something similar to ValToStr() where: ‘Val’ is of type ‘anytype’.

Thanks.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![revans](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f4b2a3/32.png) [@revans](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/u/revans)\
**Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 10:11pm UTC](https://tech-community.robotics.abb.com/t/data-type-anytype/11280/2 "2023-11-15T22:11:17Z")

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Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but no you cannot. Below I have an exert from the RAPID Kernel manual.

Note that anytype is just a marker for this property and should not be confused with a “real” data type. **Also note that RAPID routines cannot be given anytype parameters**.