Functions

M Optional Parameters

Optional Parameters

M optional parameters use optional keyword for flexibility.

Introduction to Optional Parameters in M

Optional parameters in M allow you to define functions with greater flexibility by specifying parameters that do not need to be provided by the caller. This is achieved using the optional keyword, making your functions more versatile and easier to use.

Defining Optional Parameters

To define a parameter as optional in M, you use the optional keyword in the function signature. This indicates that the parameter may or may not be provided when the function is called. If the optional parameter is not supplied, it can be assigned a default value within the function.

Using Optional Parameters in Practice

When calling a function with optional parameters, you can choose to omit the optional arguments. In such cases, the function can handle the absence of these arguments using default values or conditional logic.

Benefits of Optional Parameters

Using optional parameters can significantly enhance the usability of your functions:

  • Flexibility: Callers can provide only the necessary arguments.
  • Default Values: Simplifies handling of missing parameters.
  • Code Readability: Reduces the need for overloading functions.

Conclusion

Optional parameters in M provide a powerful way to make your functions more adaptable and user-friendly. By understanding how to implement and utilize optional parameters, you can create more robust and maintainable code.