NumML Language Reference

What is NumML?

NumML is a small, domain-specific language (dsl) for coding SD models and configuring the UI of a Numerus WebKit (NWK) site. It is used in URAM models and in the Configuration Window. This document serves as reference for NWK authors and users wishing to use NumML in their designs.

NumML Operators

NumML uses Javascript syntax extended with 2 infix operators (@= and #=) that are not recognized as meaningful to Javascript. NWK uses a Javascript parser extended to accept these operators to analyze NumML code and respectively generate code or change the value of specific configuration parameters. Each NumML statement has the form:

LHS @= RHS
LHS @# RHS

with slightly different rules for what is allowed on each side of the operator. In discussing NumML syntax we use the following terms:

Constant

Either a string constant enclosed in single or double quotes ("SIR Model"", 'Infection Stats') or a number in decimal (3.1415) or scientific notation (3.14159e5).

Identifier

Equivalent of a Javascript variable such as Sigma, N, beta, etc.

Unary Expression

An expression such as -10 or -Sigma.

Constants, Identifiers and Unary Expressions comprise the set of terms.

Call Expression

A function name followed by a comma-separated sequence of arguments enclosed in parentheses. The function name must be an identifier; the arguments can be any list of terms.

Array

A comma-separated sequence of terms enclosed in square brackets; e.g., [Sigma, foo(1,2,3), 15.123e3].