Re: st: [Stata 8.2] Wanted: Improved temporary variable passing

[Richard Williams <Richard.A.Williams.5@ND.edu>]

At 01:05 PM 5/9/2005 -0700, D H wrote:
> From help styleguide:
>
> ------ Very large programs become increasingly
> difficult to understand, to build, and to maintain,
> roughly as some power of their length. Consider
> breaking such programs into subroutines and/or use a
> structure of command and subcommands.
>
> My problem:
> This less-than-advanced programmer finds it difficult
> to pass lots of temporary variables into Stata
> (sub)programs from my master do-file.  Thus, following
> the preceding advice presents a challenge.
* You might also consider the use of global macros.  These are available to 
all programs.

* You might be able to return, sreturn or ereturn stuff you want available 
to your subroutines.  Key thing is to be careful that these don't get 
zapped as you go along.

* Copy code from one subroutine to the next, where you use a similar syntax 
command for each routine along with, say, a bunch of local commands that 
give your local variable names the names you want.  Get it nailed once, and 
then just keep copying from one routine to the next.

* One monster program isn't necessarily bad, especially when a routine or 
task is only done once.  Put lots of ****** before and after sections so 
that it is clear where key sections of code begin and end.

* Get the Stata programming manual if you don't already have it.  Lots of 
good stuff in there.  You may also want the Gould et al maximum likelihood 
programming book.

-------------------------------------------
Richard Williams, Notre Dame Dept of Sociology
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