8.26 Function Libraries
An alternative way of using Intrinsic Functions is to import function libraries. Function Libraries are a component that contains a set of routines defined using the MthRoutine command. These function library routines can be used in expressions.
There are function libraries for the following:
|
string |
#PRIM_LIBS |
|
number |
#PRIM_LIBN |
|
date and time |
#PRIM_LIBD |
|
*VARIANT |
#PRIM_LIBV |
For string, number, date and time, using Intrinsic Functions is simpler than using a function library.
To handle objects of type *VARIANT, you need to use the variant function library #PRIM_LIBV. (Refer to 8.27 Variant Handling.)
When using function library methods the syntax is different.
For example the Uppercase method:
#Subject.Uppercase()
is specified as:
Uppercase( Subject )
Function libraries are introduced into a RDMLX object by the 8.14 IMPORT command which is specified immediately after the FUNCTION statement. For example:
Function Options(*DIRECT)
* Import the variant library #prim_libv.
Import Libraries(#PRIM_LIBV)
Once a Function library has been imported, the routines defined in the library can be used in expressions.