Pasting functions

As you can imagine, with over 200 pre-programmed functions it would be next to impossible to memorise every parameter and its correct syntax. That is why MetaStock includes a Paste Functions dialog box, which pastes the correct syntax straight into any formula you are working on. Click the Functions button while editing any formula to display it. (Note: your cursor must be inside the formula box for the Functions button to become active.)

Inside the dialog

The Paste Functions dialog groups all of the functions into 11 categories, listed on the left-hand side, with the function names listed on the right. At the bottom left are two check boxes:

• Paste Arguments instructs MetaStock to include all the parameters the function requires.
• Show English Names instructs MetaStock to list plain-English names rather than the function names.

For ease of use, keep both boxes checked.

Using it while you code

Once you begin programming you will become quite familiar with this dialog. When you need any formula's syntax, scroll the function list: the syntax of the highlighted function is displayed near the bottom of the dialog, under Format. Click OK (or double-click the function name) and the selected function is pasted into your formula at the cursor location.

And if you still make a mistake and forget a required parameter, don't worry: MetaStock displays a dialog reminding you of the expected parameter.

Next lesson

That completes the toolkit. In Lesson 9 we put it all together with a set of exercises covering everything from price array identifiers to variables and comments.