How can I tell if F is a string or if it is a number?

Hi,

I've been trying to understand data types in physics.

http://www.densytics.com/wiki/index.php?title=Data_types_in_Physics

I see that there are similarities with data types used in computer
science. I am confused about what is number and what is string in
physics. When I look at F=ma I see F as a string. F is a label for ma.
But physicists, like this one, http://globalpioneering.com/wp02/science-is-legal-physics/#comment-16779
see it differently and say it is a number or a quantity.

And indeed F stands for a number, ma, but to me F is just a
placeholder, not a quantity.

I know I'm not using the correct terminology. Can anyone help me
understand this? At least, help me state the problem clearly?

Many thanks.
.

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