Data Collection Formula - compare text values

I have two data collection parameters I want to compare. In each data collection parameter I want to scan in an alpha-numeric value, and I'd like to use the formula to determine if those two values are the same.

Something like this...

a=PARAM1;

b=PARAM2;

if (a=b) {c=0};

else {c=1};

exit(c);

Is it possible to use the data collection formula functionality to compare two text fields or will it only compare two numeric values?  Is it valid to use an if statement in data collection formula (the help only mentions mathematical equations)?