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You can type an expression into a
field, or use the Expression Builder to guide your selection
and check your work. The Expression Builder helps you locate
functions and complete parameters to functions in a natural
language format. From the full Expression Builder form,
click:
- Save to
exit and save the current expression into a form.
- Validate
to confirm that the current contents of the text area contain
a valid expression.
- Reset to
restore the text area to the value on the rule form, erasing
any changes you have made.
- Cancel to
exit and return to the unmodified form.
1. Type the expression
You can enter all or part of the expression in the large
text area by typing, including functions, operators,
constants, and property references.
2. Choose a library
To include a function in your expression, select a library
from the list that is likely to contain the desired function.
The form changes to list the functions in that library and
the parameters for each function.
Choose built-in as the library to access the
built-in functions @abs(),
@and(),@average(), @exp(), @if(),
@java(), @max(),
@min(), @or(),
@round(), @sqr(),
@sqrt(), @sum() and
@when(). Internally, these are not part of a
library.
3. Choose a function in the library
The selection area lists the functions in the selected
library alphabetically, with a description of each.
- Select a function to learn more about it.
- The form changes to present the Short
Description and arguments of the function.
4. Supply values for function
arguments
If the selected function requires arguments, you are
prompted for each argument value. (Output arguments are
listed without a place for input.)
If you don't yet know the property, expression,
function, or other value, enter a constant for the
argument.
5. Insert the function call into the
expression and validate
Click Insert to
insert the function call and your arguments into the
expression.
Click Validate
to check the syntax of the expression. (This does not check
whether properties you reference in the expression are
defined.)
Click Cancel to
close the form and return to the previous form without
changes.
6. Optionally, extend the
expression
When an expression is complete and valid, click
Save .
To extend a saved expression, select a portion of it and
start the Expression Builder again.
Examples
Constants
in expressions
Functions in
expressions
Operators in
expressions
About expressions
Help: Working with
the Expression Builder