| Contents: | Main | Chapter | See Also: | Getting Started Manual | Programmer Manual | |||
This chapter lists each VA FileMan Function, including syntax and simple examples of their use. You can use them in any computed expression (see the "Computed Expressions" chapter).
A function performs an operation that returns a value. Many functions are included with VA FileMan; you can also add functions by making entries in the FUNCTION file (#.5). The "VA FileMan Programmer Manual" describes how to add functions, in the "VA FileMan Functions (Creating)" section.
Some functions require an argument or arguments; others are "argumentless." The arguments of the function can be any element, including field name, field number (preceded with the #), quoted literal, or even other functions. The SQUAREROOT function, for example, would take an argument of 64 and return 8. Thus, if the AGE field of a patient has the value 64, the expression SQUAREROOT(AGE) would return 8.
NOTE: If there is an output transform on a field, the function code is applied to the field after it has been transformed. In most cases, if a field has an output transform, you should therefore use the syntax FUNCTION_NAME(INTERNAL(FIELD_NAME)), rather than FUNCTION_NAME(FIELD_NAME).
Reviewed/Updated: March 4, 2007