Chapter 2: Introduction to M

Chapter 2: Introduction to M

Note to Experienced Programmers

Although this chapter contains no details about the syntax of the M language, it is useful in providing background information about why the language was conceived and what needs it was intended to serve. All readers, even experienced programmers, will find this information helpful in understanding the underlying objectives that led to the design of the M language.

It is always helpful in learning about a new subject to have some background on its history. This chapter provides a brief summary of the evolution of the M programming language, which in many respects differs markedly from the manner in which other programming languages have evolved. The chapter also lists supplementary reading about M and its origins.

What is M?

In the computer world, the term MUMPS has been used to define a number of concepts related to a computer language that originated at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1967. The first letter of the acronym, M, stands for that hospital, and the remainder of the term represents the words U tility M ulti- P rogramming S ystem. In 1995, the new standard was adopted using the name M , with MUMPS as an alternate. We will use the term M in this text, but in this chapter, where there are historical associations with the name MUMPS, we will often use that term.

M embodies three concepts. First, it is an interpreted, general-purpose computer programming language ? "interpreted" because...

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Chapter 2: Introduction to M

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