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Custom Libraries and Extensions

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In this module, we will explore how to create custom libraries and extensions in MUMPS. This is an advanced topic that will allow you to extend the functionality of your MUMPS programs and reuse code efficiently.

Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  1. Understand the concept of libraries and extensions in MUMPS.
  2. Create and use custom libraries.
  3. Develop extensions to enhance MUMPS functionality.
  4. Integrate custom libraries and extensions into your projects.

  1. Understanding Libraries and Extensions

What are Libraries?

Libraries in MUMPS are collections of routines and functions that can be reused across different programs. They help in organizing code, promoting reusability, and maintaining consistency.

What are Extensions?

Extensions are additional functionalities that can be added to the MUMPS environment. They can be custom-built or third-party tools that enhance the capabilities of MUMPS.

  1. Creating Custom Libraries

Steps to Create a Custom Library

  1. Define the Library Structure: Decide on the routines and functions that will be part of the library.
  2. Write the Routines: Develop the routines and functions.
  3. Save the Library: Save the routines in a file that can be included in other MUMPS programs.

Example: Creating a Math Library

Step 1: Define the Library Structure

We will create a library with basic mathematical functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Step 2: Write the Routines

; MathLib.m
MathLib ; Math Library
 Q

Add(A, B)
 Q A + B

Subtract(A, B)
 Q A - B

Multiply(A, B)
 Q A * B

Divide(A, B)
 I B=0 Q "Error: Division by zero"
 Q A / B

Step 3: Save the Library

Save the above code in a file named MathLib.m.

Using the Custom Library

To use the custom library in another MUMPS program, you need to include it using the ZLINK command.

; Main.m
ZLINK "MathLib.m"

W "Addition: ", $$Add^MathLib(10, 5), !
W "Subtraction: ", $$Subtract^MathLib(10, 5), !
W "Multiplication: ", $$Multiply^MathLib(10, 5), !
W "Division: ", $$Divide^MathLib(10, 5), !

  1. Developing Extensions

Steps to Develop an Extension

  1. Identify the Need: Determine what functionality is missing or can be improved.
  2. Design the Extension: Plan how the extension will integrate with existing MUMPS code.
  3. Implement the Extension: Write the code for the extension.
  4. Test the Extension: Ensure it works as expected and does not introduce bugs.

Example: Creating a Logging Extension

Step 1: Identify the Need

We need a logging mechanism to track events and errors in our MUMPS programs.

Step 2: Design the Extension

The logging extension will have functions to log messages with different severity levels (INFO, WARNING, ERROR).

Step 3: Implement the Extension

; Logger.m
Logger ; Logging Extension
 Q

LogInfo(Message)
 D Log("INFO", Message)
 Q

LogWarning(Message)
 D Log("WARNING", Message)
 Q

LogError(Message)
 D Log("ERROR", Message)
 Q

Log(Level, Message)
 N Timestamp
 S Timestamp=$$NOW^XLFDT()
 W Level, " [", Timestamp, "]: ", Message, !
 Q

Step 4: Test the Extension

; TestLogger.m
ZLINK "Logger.m"

D LogInfo^Logger("This is an info message.")
D LogWarning^Logger("This is a warning message.")
D LogError^Logger("This is an error message.")

  1. Integrating Custom Libraries and Extensions

Best Practices

  • Modularity: Keep libraries and extensions modular to facilitate reuse.
  • Documentation: Document the functions and routines in your libraries and extensions.
  • Version Control: Use version control to manage changes and updates to your libraries and extensions.

Example: Integrating Math Library and Logger Extension

; MainWithLogging.m
ZLINK "MathLib.m"
ZLINK "Logger.m"

D LogInfo^Logger("Starting calculations...")

W "Addition: ", $$Add^MathLib(10, 5), !
D LogInfo^Logger("Performed addition.")

W "Subtraction: ", $$Subtract^MathLib(10, 5), !
D LogInfo^Logger("Performed subtraction.")

W "Multiplication: ", $$Multiply^MathLib(10, 5), !
D LogInfo^Logger("Performed multiplication.")

W "Division: ", $$Divide^MathLib(10, 5), !
D LogInfo^Logger("Performed division.")

D LogInfo^Logger("Calculations completed.")

Summary

In this module, we covered:

  • The concept of libraries and extensions in MUMPS.
  • How to create and use custom libraries.
  • How to develop and integrate extensions to enhance MUMPS functionality.

By mastering these concepts, you can significantly improve the efficiency and maintainability of your MUMPS programs. In the next module, we will delve into concurrency and parallel processing to further enhance your MUMPS programming skills.

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