Difference between revisions of "Expressions"

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This chapter introduces expressions -- the Analytica language used in [[definition]]s to calculate the value of a variable from other variables, such as
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This section explains how to write expressions in the Analytica language, such as
 
:<code>(-B + Sqrt(B^2 - 4*A*B))/(2*A)</code>  
 
:<code>(-B + Sqrt(B^2 - 4*A*B))/(2*A)</code>  
  
An expression can consist of or contain a literal number (including Boolean or date), a text value, an identifier of a variable, an arithmetic expression, a comparison or logical expression, <code>IF THEN ELSE</code>, or a function call, such as <code>Sqrt(B)</code>. These constructs are also introduced in this chapter.
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You use expressions in the Definition of a Variable or Function to say how to calculate. An expression can be simply a literal [[Numbers|number]], including [[Boolean or truth values|Boolean]] or [[Date and Time Values|date]], a [[Text values|text value]], or an identifier of a variable. Or it could be an arithmetic [[Operators|expression, a comparison or logical expression]], [[IF a THEN b ELSE c]], or a [[Function calls and parameters|function call]], such as <code>Sqrt(B)</code>.  
  
For details on more advanced constructs, such as <code>BEGIN ... END </code> statements, [[For]] and [[While]] loops, local variables and assignments, references and data Structures, and handles to objects, see [[Procedural Programming]]. Analytica has the expressive power to express such concepts, too, and includes a general computer language, like Visual Basic or C++.  
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Analytica is primarily a [[Declarative language]], where the Definition of each variable is a simple expressions. But Analytica does support constructs used in common procedural or imperative languages like Python or C++, including <code>BEGIN ... END </code> statements, [[For]] and [[While]] loops, local variables, assignments, references and data Structures, and handles to objects. See [[Procedural Programming]] for details.  
  
 
==Sections==
 
==Sections==
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<footer>Analytica Cloud Player (ACP)/ {{PAGENAME}} / Text, Date, Math, and Financial Functions</footer>
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<footer>Definitions / {{PAGENAME}} / Text, Date, Math, and Financial Functions</footer>

Latest revision as of 02:26, 13 October 2017


This section explains how to write expressions in the Analytica language, such as

(-B + Sqrt(B^2 - 4*A*B))/(2*A)

You use expressions in the Definition of a Variable or Function to say how to calculate. An expression can be simply a literal number, including Boolean or date, a text value, or an identifier of a variable. Or it could be an arithmetic expression, a comparison or logical expression, IF a THEN b ELSE c, or a function call, such as Sqrt(B).

Analytica is primarily a Declarative language, where the Definition of each variable is a simple expressions. But Analytica does support constructs used in common procedural or imperative languages like Python or C++, including BEGIN ... END statements, For and While loops, local variables, assignments, references and data Structures, and handles to objects. See Procedural Programming for details.

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