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Reference Guides
Reference guides are available for functions and commands supported by OML, Tcl, and Python.
Scripting Guide for OpenMatrix Language
OpenMatrix is a mathematical scripting language.
Literals
Literals are items that are constant throughout the life of the application. Literals include numeric, imaginary, characters, strings, logicals, and Other (NaN/Inf).
Numerics
Numeric literals come in the form of a scalar, integer, decimal, or scientific notation (exponential).

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Learn about the features and functionality available in Compose.
Reference Guides
Reference guides are available for functions and commands supported by OML, Tcl, and Python.
- Scripting Guide for OpenMatrix Language
  OpenMatrix is a mathematical scripting language.
  - Literals
    Literals are items that are constant throughout the life of the application. Literals include numeric, imaginary, characters, strings, logicals, and Other (NaN/Inf).
    - Other Literals
      Inf and NaN are two special literals predefined in the OpenMatrix language.
    - Collections
      A collection is an ordered grouping of elements (which may be literals or other collections).
    - Identifiers
      Identifiers are user-defined names that can refer to literals, other identifiers, or functions.
    - Numerics
      Numeric literals come in the form of a scalar, integer, decimal, or scientific notation (exponential).
    - Imaginary
      Imaginary literals are numeric literals followed immediately by one of the characters that represents the imaginary constant i (defined as the square root of -1).
    - Strings
      String literals are specified by a sequence of characters between ' (single quote) characters.
  - Data Types
    Data types are items that are constant throughout the life of the application and are built into the OpenMatrix language.
  - Strings
    Strings are arrays of characters.
  - Variables and Assignments
    OML language scripts manipulate data through variables. Variables are referred to by their name (alphanumeric) and can be created (assigned) and deleted as described in this section.
  - Indexing
    Indexing is used to retrieve one or more specific values out of a collection.
  - Operators
    Operators are used to combine operands.
  - Operator Descriptions (tables)
    Each operator in this section is explained with the operations of scalars, vectors, and matrices that are allowed for said operator.
  - Expressions and Statements
    Statements are made of expressions, which may be simple or complex.
  - Flow of Control and Looping
    Loops are used to perform the same set of statements multiple times.
  - Workspace and Scoping Rules
    There are two types of workspaces: Local and Global.
  - Functions
    Functions are packets of statements that can be used repeatedly.
  - Scripts and Functions
    OpenMatrix statements persist in .oml files.
  - Files
    This section describes files that can be manipulated by the OpenMatrix Language.
  - Error and Warning Messages
    Errors and warning messages are both output in the console (or the Command Window in GUI mode) of Compose.
  - Plotting and Visualization
    Create 2D and 3D plots and control their style and appearance.
  - Objects in OpenMatrix Language
    Objects in OML are defined using the classdef keyword. This creates a blueprint for an object but does not actually create (instantiate) anything.
- Reference Guide for OpenMatrix Language Functions
  The Reference Guide contains documentation for all functions supported in the OpenMatrix language.
- Python in Compose Reference Guide
Appendix
Get help for the optional libraries that are available in the Extension Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions? We've got answers!

Numerics

Numeric literals come in the form of a scalar, integer, decimal, or scientific notation (exponential).

A more specific form is:

[+-]iDigits.fDigits [EXP[+-] eDigits]

iDigits, fDigits and eDigits are numeral(s) from 0 to 9, inclusive. Either iDigits or fDigits must exist. If fDigits are specified, the decimal point is required. If no sign is specified for iDigits or eDigits, they are assumed to be positive. Bracketed items are optional.

If iDigits begins with one or more zeros, this is a valid literal, but the zeros are ultimately ignored. EXP can be any of the following characters: dDeE. If EXP is included, eDigits must also be included.

Examples of valid decimal numeric literals include:

3
3.
.3
3.3
33
3E3
3.3e3
-3
3.3e-3
003
3d3
3D-3

Examples of invalid decimal numeric literals:

. (either fDigits or iDigits must be specified)
3.3.3 (only one decimal point is allowed)
3E (if EXP is included, eDigits must also be included)
E3 (either fDigits or iDigits must be specified)
3E3.3 (eDigits must be digits only)
4z (iDigits are 0 through 9 inclusive)