PDS Course: Advanced MUMPS and File Manager

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The File Manager is a rich user and programmer environment that requires dedication to master, as many can attest. This richness was greatly expanded by the advanced features of MUMPS that opened the door to a whole new way for programmers to use File Manager. The Database Server APIs (DBS) use parameter passing to provide silent interactions with a File Manager database. These APIs are essential when working towards encapsulated designs that separate the user interface from the underlying database and logic.

This week-long course lifts the lid to a treasure chest of legal, but lesser known features in File Manager that can greatly enhance the design and usability of a VistA application. Advanced MUMPS features are also introduced to prepare the student for their introduction to using the File Manager DBS APIs.

In addition to his lively teaching techniques, Greg uses animated Flash movies, like the ones shown below, to illustrate key concepts. These mini-movies help students quickly grasp the concepts and stay interested in the course. Don't bring your pillow.

Topics covered include:

Advanced MUMPS:

Environment
Error Processing
Parameters Passing (Call-by-Value and Call-by-Reference)
Do Blocks, safe IF and ELSE
Advanced Commands and Functions
Indirection, Pattern Match and Sorts After

Advanced File Manager:

Computed Expressions and Functions
Advanced Features:

Pre-Lookup Transform
Dynamic LAYGO and Deletion control
Input and Output Transform
Universal Screen

Keys and Compound Cross-references
Database Server (DBS)

Concept and Conventions
Most Commonly used DBS APIs

Transitioning to Transactions

To increase retention of the materials, time is reserved for hands-on activity as students build their own FM-based application in typical VistA style. Students are encouraged to take their assignment applications back to their site for further experimentation.

Prerequisites	Basic Computer Programming concepts (IF/ELSE, Looping, Structure, etc.) Basic MUMPS skills (Read, Write, Do, create and debug routines, create and access globals, etc.) User File Manager skills (Enter/Edit, Print, Search, etc.) Programmer File Manager skills (FM data structures, calls to DIC, DIE, DIP, etc.)
Course Materials	Three-ring binder of lessons will be provided.
Length	On-site class: Mon-Thu 8am - 5pm, Fri 8am - noon Virtual class: Five full days and may have slightly shifted start and end times to accomodate the spread of times zones of the students. Students are recommended to use headsets for better audio participation with the instructor and other students.
On-site Facility Requirements	Projector displaying instructor's computer on a screen. Paper Flip Chart A VistA training account, accessible from classroom PCs, where students can do exercises. This account must include recently patched Kernel, Fileman and VPE. To maximize the learning experience, it is highly recommended that VistA clinical applications also be installed in the account as a source of code examples. Each student should have their own PC/terminal and unique access and verify codes to the training account. Students must have access to programmer mode after logging in.
Price	$1245 per student (on-site* or virtual) Purchase Orders accepted. * The class size minimum typically covers the instructor's travel costs, but we reserve the right to quote an additional fee for high travel cost areas, such as New York, San Francisco, etc.
Class Size	Fifteen student minimum. Falling short of the minimum? Contact us for details on hosting an on-site class that permits others to attend to meet class size minimums. You can also set up a virtual class.