Scripting Guide - SAS

812 Glossary Appendix D
function A function takes an argument or series of arguments inside parentheses after the function name.
For example, the infix operator + has a function equivalent Add(). The statements 3+
4 and Add(3,
4) are equivalent. All JSL’s operators have function equivalents, but not all functions have operator
equivalents. For example, Sqrt(a) can be represented only by the function. Also see the Function
operator for storing a function under a name.
global variable A global variable is a name to hold values that exists for the remainder of a session.
Globals can contain many types of values, including numbers, strings, lists, or references to objects.
They are called globals because they can be referred to almost anywhere, not just in some specific
context.
infix operator In infix operator takes one argument on each side, such as + in arithmetic, 3+
4, or the =
in an assignment, a=7.
L-value Something that can be the destination of an assignment. In this manual, L-value describes an
expression that normally returns its current value but that can alternatively receive an assignment to set
its value. For example, you would ordinarily use a function such as Row() to get the current row number
and assign it to something else. For example, x=Row(). However, since Row is an L-value, you can also
place it on the left side of an assignment to set its value. For example, Row()=10.
list A list is a multiple-item data type entered in special brace { } notation or with the List operator. Lists
enable scripts to work with many things at once, often in the place of a single thing.
matrix A matrix is a JMP data type for a rectangular array of rows and columns of number. In JSL,
matrices are entered in bracket [ ] notation or with the Matrix operator.
message A message is a JSL statement that is directed to an object, which knows how to execute the
message.
metadata In JMP data tables, metadata are data about the data, such as the source of the data, comments
about each variable, scripts for working with the data, and so on.
mousedown An event generated by pressing down the mouse button. See “Handle” on page 420 and
“MouseTrap” on page 423.
mouseup An event generated by releasing the mouse button. See “Handle” on page 420 and
“MouseTrap” on page 423.
name A name is a reference to a JSL object. For example, when you assign the numeric value 3 to a global
variable in the statement a=3, “a” is a name.
namespace A namespace is a collection of unique names and corresponding values. Namespaces are
useful for avoiding name collisions between different scripts.
named argument A named argument is an optional argument that you select from a predetermined set
and explicitly define. For example, title("My Histogram") in the Graph Box function is a named
argument. In functions such as New Window, the title is not a named argument, because title is the
first required argument.