Your specified formula is recursive when used as a column formula. A column formula will run whenever it detects a change in the column.
What you are suggesting can simply be done in open JSL.
Names Default To Here( 1 );
Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Big Class.jmp" );
Current Data Table() << Get Column Names;
height = height/2;
or
Names Default To Here( 1 );
Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Big Class.jmp" );
For( i = 1, i <= N Rows( current data table() ), i++,
:height[i] = :height[i] / 2
);
or
Names Default To Here( 1 );
dt = Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Big Class.jmp" );
dt:Height << set values( dt[0, 4] / 2 );
If the formula isn't recursive, one can set the column formula by using the Set Formula message
Names Default To Here( 1 );
Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Big Class.jmp" );
Current Data Table() << Get Column Names;
:height << set formula(:weight/2);
I strongly suggest that you take the time to read the Scripting Guide available in the JMP Documentation Library under the Help pull down menu
Jim