scope:

Introduction

Part 1 consists of two sections that describe the MUMPS language. Section 1 describes the metalanguage used in the remainder of Part 1 for the static syntax. Section 2 describes the static syntax and overall semantics of the language. The distinction between "static" and "dynamic" syntax is as follows. The static syntax describes the sequence of characters in a routine as it appears on a tape in routine interchange or on a listing. The dynamic syntax describes the sequence of characters that would be encountered by an interpreter during execution of the routine. (There is no requirement that MUMPS actually be interpreted). The dynamic syntax takes into account transfers of control and values produced by indirection.