Joined: Wed Nov 17, 2010 8:37 am Posts: 136
Real Name: Terry L. Wiechmann
Began Programming in MUMPS: 0- 0-1971
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This lesson contains all the standard functions available in MUMPS. Read and understand the purpose of each function. In direct programming mode, perform each of the examples illustrated in the guide. Where there are routines defined, create the routine and execute it.
It is important to point out the difference between a function and special variable. Functions have parameters values that are passed into its context and special variables do not. They both return values.
Refer back to the lesson on Strings. The number line concept is useful in understanding what is returned by a typical function that operates on strings. The really important thing to understand is what happens when a position is specified that is less than or greater than the actual string length being operated upon. Typically a null string is returned. This is often a reason for program errors, particularly when dealing with subscripts for arrays.
_________________ Terry L. Wiechmann
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