Allow functions such as Dispatch to accept string variables or expressions

[jlg373]

Certain functions only accept quoted text arguments, which is annoying when generating large numbers of plots or tables using a script.

It would be nice if something like the following worked -

// k is some procedurally generated string variable

dt << Variability Chart(
	Y( :ycolumn),
	X( :xcolumn),
	SendToReport(
		Dispatch({k}, "2", ScaleBox,
			{Min( 300 ), Max( 470 ), Inc( 10 ), Minor Ticks( 1 )}
))));

Instead, I have to use convoluted code like this - 

Eval(Eval Expr(dt << Variability Chart(
	Y( :ycolumn),
	X( :xcolumn),
	SendToReport(
		Dispatch({Expr(k)}, "2", ScaleBox,
			{Min( 300 ), Max( 470 ), Inc( 10 ), Minor Ticks( 1 )}
))))));

Functions with this problem that I'm aware of - Dispatch, As Column, :Name

[gzmorgan0]

I'll cast my vote with you regarding Dispatch. However, some of your claims are not true. New Column does not require an Expr. 

Currently, the function As Column() only takes a column Name as its argument. Even though  Col << get name returns a string it is my understanding it is not an object name.   

Earlier versions of JMP did not have As Column().  Column(txt) could, and can, be used in a formula if it is a Column formula like Col Mean(). However, since most column formulas are executed by row to refer to the row values the formula required the syntax Column(txt)[] or Column(#)[].  I believe AsColumn() was created to reference the vector values. 

Since I am a horrible typist, I still like to use the left, right bracket syntax to th right of Column(txt)[]. It is only 2 characters the same as "As"! I am posting this not to cancel out or argue your wish list item, but to provide a simple alternative now.

Note the formula syntax, Col Mean() and Col Std Dev() only need a column reference.

My rule of thumb, if I am using a variable in a formula use Column()[] or ref[]  or alternately  As Column( Column(txt) ), AsColumn(ref).

Names Default To Here( 1 );
exdt = Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Big Class.jmp" );
show( exdt:height[1] + :height[2] + Column( "height" )[3] );  //

txt = "weight";
cnme = column(txt); //column ref
exdt[[7,13, 15],txt] = empty();
exdt << get rows where(IsMissing(Column(txt)[]));
exdt << get rows where(IsMissing(As Column(Column(txt))));
exdt << get rows where(IsMissing(cnme));   // will throw an error
exdt << get rows where(IsMissing(cnme[])); //refers to the column values
exdt << get rows where(IsMissing(As Column(cnme))); // will throw an error

show(Col Mean(Column(txt)));

exdt << New Column("MyNewCol "||txt, Formula( ( Column(txt)[] - Col Mean(Column(txt)) )/ Col Std Dev(Column(txt)) ) );

[jlg373]

Thank you for the input, and yes, you're right about New Column.  I've edited my original post for clarity.