What does the autorepeat number in the button command do?

Hi,

I'm a newbie and I've searched the forum but can't find the answer.

What is the meaning of the rate parameter in the button command? Is a low value faster or slower than a large value? How is it affected by oscillator speed? I've tried various values in a test circuit and it is still a mystery to me. To slow the damn thing down, I've inserted a PAUSE in the loop, but that can cause a delay in recognizing a button press.

I know I should write the code myself, but the button command seems so convenient.

Any hints would help.

George