Intermediate M Programming

Course Length: Estimated 40 hours
Prerequisites: Introduction to M or equivalent experience

Intermediate M Programming is designed to describe expressions and their evaluation in detail and introduce the student to basic application development techniques.

The first unit concentrates on the concept of an expression. First, a review of all M language elements is covered. Next, the 'anatomy' of an expression is described using a graphical, structured approach. Finally, the formal ANSI description is covered.

The second unit focuses on the expression evaluation process. The evaluation order and the recursive nature of expression evaluation are explained. Units 1 and 2 are designed to give the programmer a well defined, in-depth description of the evaluation process. These concepts are conveyed through graphic simulations preparing the student for the actual construction of complex expressions.

Unit 3 is devoted to programming exercises. These exercises are in-line and the student uses a full screen editor to write and execute the routines. Outstanding features of this course are: Concepts are displayed graphically and animated where appropriate. Interactive quizzes test the student's knowledge. Positive feed-back is given when an answer is incorrect. Programming exercises are completed with a full screen editor.

Upon successful conclusion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Completely describe the elements of an M expression
• Describe the evaluation process of an M expression
• Develop and use expressions within the context of all M commands
• Write logical constructs using all elements of the M language to form routines
• Analyze and design basic data entry and retrieval programs

Note: All computer based training courses are Y2K (Year 2000) compliant.