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The new Expression Builder will be ready in the middle of August '10, wetma
C-471 C-2443 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.
R-20768 C-2413
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.) B-19030
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