Using the Formula Language
By Steve Kern
- Overview of the Formula Language
- Knowing Where to Use @Functions and @Commands
- Formula Syntax
- Limitations of the Formula Language
- Working with Statements
- Using Logical @Functions
- Working with Date and Time @Functions
- Working with Strings
- Getting Session and User Information
- Working with Documents
- Retrieving Data with @DbColumn and @DbLookup
- Working with Lists
- Getting User Input
- Controlling the Flow of a Formula
- Error Handling
The Formula language has been around since the inception of Lotus Notes. In some respects, it is an offshoot of Lotus 1-2-3, which, if you'll recall, is loaded with commands prefaced with the @ symbol. The Formula language has three primary constructs ”@Functions, @Commands, and five keywords. Although you can program Domino applications in other languages, in a number of locations you can use only the Formula language.
Notes and Domino 6 has extended the Formula language, adding many new and enhanced @Functions and @Commands, as well as enhancements to the language rules. As discussed in Chapter 3, "The Integrated Development Environment," the autocomplete functionality added to the Programmer's pane is a welcome addition.
NOTE
Because there are so many @Functions and @Commands, it is not possible to cover each and every one. instead, this chapter concentrates on the ones you will use frequently.