# The xVARx Method — copy/paste-optimized placeholders

The xVARx method wraps every placeholder in lowercase `x`. Because a token like `xURLx` contains no space, the whole token is a **single word**: a double-click selects it entirely, and one paste replaces it. No brackets to delete, no label left behind.

Also known as: **xVARIABLExMETHODx**, *x Variable Method*, *x-separated placeholders*.
Official page: <https://shared.boxicube.com/web/xvarx/>
Bilingual extension: **xBILINGUALxENTITYx — xENTITÉxBILINGUEx** — <https://shared.boxicube.com/web/xvarx-enfr/> (named entities in both official languages, EN first).

## How it works

1. **Write the token** — lowercase `x` as prefix, suffix and space separator: `xURLx`, `xNOMx`, `xMOT1xMOT2xMOT3x`.
2. **Double-click** — the token contains no spaces, so the editor selects the whole placeholder in one action.
3. **Paste** — the replacement lands exactly on the selection and the label self-erases. Nothing to delete, nothing left behind.

## Why x

| Criterion | Explanation |
|---|---|
| One-click select | The text between two `x` forms a continuous word — selectable with a single double-click |
| Nothing to delete | Unlike `[brackets]` or `<chevrons>`, you just write over the token |
| Descriptive labels | `xURLxDuProjetx` carries more meaning than `[url]` |
| Self-erasing labels | Once replaced, the label no longer exists — no residue to clean |

## Naming convention

- Every word in the name carries meaning — no filler words (the, of, a), no spaces.
- The format is used for **documentation and user input**.
- In output (URLs, paths), use native separators or `%20`.
- When a parser extracts the variable, the text between the first and last `x` is taken; the `x` letters become spaces. A single-word variable may drop the final `x` (e.g. `fast:xQUERYx` → `fast:xQUERY`).

## Known trade-off

A bulk search-and-replace of `x` → space produces double spaces. Fix in two passes: replace `xx` with a space, then `x` with nothing.

## Examples

- Email template: `Bonjour xNOMx, voici le lien : xURLx`
- AI prompt: `Summarize the following text in xNBxMOTx words.`
- Remote command: `ssh xHOSTx 'tail -100 xLOGx'`

## Version française

La méthode xVARx enveloppe chaque placeholder de `x` minuscules. Comme un token tel que `xURLx` ne contient aucune espace, le token entier devient **un seul mot** : un double-clic le sélectionne au complet, et un collé le remplace. Aucun crochet à supprimer, aucune étiquette qui traîne.

- **Écrire le token** — `x` minuscule en préfixe, suffixe et séparateur d'espaces.
- **Double-cliquer** — le placeholder entier est sélectionné d'une seule action.
- **Coller** — le remplacement tombe exactement sur la sélection, l'étiquette s'efface d'elle-même.

Convention : chaque mot d'un nom porte du sens, pas de mots vides, pas d'espaces. En sortie (URLs, chemins), utiliser les séparateurs natifs ou `%20`.

## Origin

A personal convention by **Luc**, part of the boxi toolkit (2026). The method names itself: **xVARIABLExMETHODx**.