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☜

ASCII 42

M[UMPS] by Example

☞

Asterisk, also known as star ("*")

ASCII code 42.

This character may be used as a binary ‘multiplication’ operator.
Set X=3*4

This character may be used as a binary ‘exponentiation’ operator.
Set X=4**3

This character may be used in Read commands to designate that a single character is to be read from the current device. Note that, although the syntax Read *X is standardized, the result of this command is implementation specific and, within an implementation, device specific.

Typically, the result of a command like Read X will be that the variable X will be set to an integer value that corresponds to the code of the character being transmitted. If a terminator character (or an "escape sequence") is transmitted, it is strongly implementation specific what the value of X will be.

This character may be used in Write commands to designate that a special action is to be performed on the current device. Note that, although the syntax Write *X is standardized, the result of this command is implementation specific and, within an implementation, device specific.

Typically, the result of a command like Write *VALUE will be that the character, whose code is equal to the integer interpretation of VALUE will be written to the current device. In some implementations, however Write *5 might rewind a magnetic tape, and Write *1 might write a file-label, etcetera.

Button for 1977 Button for 1984 Button for 1990 Button for 1995 Button for MDC Button for notes Button for examples

Copyright © Standard Documents; 1977-2024 MUMPS Development Committee;
Copyright © Examples: 1995-2024 Ed de Moel;
Copyright © Annotations: 2003-2008 Jacquard Systems Research
Copyright © Annotations: 2008-2024 Ed de Moel.

The information in this page is NOT authoritative and subject to be modified at any moment.
Please consult the appropriate (draft) language standard for an authoritative definition.

Some specifications are "approved for inclusion in a future standard". Note that the MUMPS Development Committee cannot guarantee that such future standards will indeed be published.

This page most recently updated on 16-Nov-2023, 14:33:46.

For comments, contact Ed de Moel (demoel@jacquardsystems.com)