The variable name was used, but had not previously been assigned a value. Verify that the name used was correct (shownames displays the names of the variables in memory). A variable is given a value by naming it on the input line of a procedure, and with the make and name commands.
Example:
show :friends
friends has no value
make "friends [Ann Bob Mel Kim]
show :friends
Ann Bob Mel Kim
In a procedure, an undefined variable looks like this. This example shows a simple typing mistake:
to square :size
repeat 4 [fd :side rt 90]
end
If you try to run this procedure, MicroWorlds will say
side has no value in square
because the variable on the title line of the procedure is size, not side.