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To answer some questions regarding the custom indicator (and other
formula-based tools):
If you enter a formula that contains a syntax error, the formula is indeed
saved. The formula with the syntax error is saved, but it is incapable of
being calculated. If you attempt to calculate such a formula, an
appropriate error is generated by MetaStock.
We have found that many of our users have numerous formulas that they have
saved in this fashion. They enter the formula with the syntax error and for
whatever reason they do not fix the error. The formula lies dormant in
their formula list and is forgotten. When the upgrade their MetaStock and a
formula update occurs, MetaStock once again points out the syntax errors
that were stored. Many of our users have taken this to be a bug in the
update process for formulas. What is actually happening is that the program
is merely pointing out that the formula cannot be updated to the new version
because of the syntax error that was originally saved.
With that said, there is a quirk in the use of formula names in the Fml()
calls. Many of our users have taken advantage of the fact that a PARTIAL
name can be used to reference another formula. Sometimes, when a formula
file is being upgraded, an error can appear where there was a valid Fml()
reference before. I can give a discussion of the details of this quirk if
anybody wants it. Short of that discussion, it is always better to use FULL
NAME REFERENCES in your Fml() function calls.
Ken Hunt
Programming Manager
Equis International
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Stockstill [mailto:stocks@xxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2000 2:50 PM
To: metastock@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: MetaStock 7.02 EOD
Chuck,
My experience was not quite the same; but I would agree with
using the Edit function. If you find a problem, you will
want to correct it (even by comments). The formula
editor does require valid syntax; my experience was the plot
failed so then I went and used the editor.
Of course, doing this prep work may not insure a clean upgrade,
but I would bet it increases your odds.
Thanks,
Ron
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-metastock@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:owner-metastock@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Chuck Engstrom
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2000 8:23 AM
To: metastock@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: MetaStock 7.02 EOD
At 08:25 PM 07/21/2000 GMT, you wrote:
>Do the following before installation:
>
>1. Backup your 6.52a Metastock directory.
>
>2. Manually go through your list of custom indicators
> and verify that each of the formulas still work.
>
>3. Manually go through your custom explorations and experts and
> verify that each of the explorations and experts will work
etc
Ron --
Thanks very much for this very helpful list. I am working my way through it.
In the process I have discovered that some custom indicators and
explorations (I haven't gotten to system tests or experts yet) will in fact
execute without reporting faults even though custom formulas contained in
them had long ago been deleted. The function builder will actually save a
"formula" that makes no sense at all, I now find -- it will point out
mistakes but go ahead and save your mess if you click CANCEL. Thus it might
be more thorough to open each item in its EDIT screen and see if any
mistakes are reported when you click OK. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Thanks again --
Chuck Engstrom
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