VMS Help Lexicals, F$STRING, Example  *Conan The Librarian (sorry for the slow response - running on an old VAX)

  $ A = 5
  $ B = F$STRING(-2 + A)
  $ SHOW SYMBOL B
    B = "3"

      The F$STRING function in this example converts the result of
      the integer expression (-2 + A) to the numeric string, "3".
      First, the F$STRING function evaluates the expression (-2
      + A). Note that 5, the value of symbol A, is automatically
      substituted when the integer expression is evaluated.

      After the integer expression is evaluated, the F$STRING
      function converts the resulting integer, 3, to the string "3".
      This string is assigned to the symbol B.