Course Length: 40 class hours
Prerequisites: Programming experience in another language
Method of Instruction: Public or on-site lecture/workshop instruction
M Programming I is designed for the student who wants to learn how to program in M.
Initially, the course explores the process of interpretation by contrasting compiled environments with interpretive environments. It then progresses to a complete description of the M programming environment.
The major part of this course is devoted to the development of an expression. This concept is covered by logically defining each element of an expression in the order used to create it. As each element of the language is covered, the student will be required to use it in simple programming exercises. Special emphasis is placed on global variables. Logical structures are explained in detail. $DATA and $ORDER functions are applied to this structure to illustrate how arrays are scanned. The student interacts with a terminal device to reinforce these concepts.
After the concept of an expression is developed, it is used to develop all standard commands according to the latest standard language definition.
Each command is explained in depth. As each command group is explained, the student begins writing a database "Create and Edit" routine, applying the commands.
The remainder of the course is devoted to writing routines and applying what has been learned.
Upon successful conclusion of the course, the student should be able to: