This presentation was given by Chris Kirchberg @chris_kirchberg on June 16th, 2020.
Introduction
- What is an Add-in?
- A mechanism to deploy sophisticate/complicated JSL script to JMP users who are not JSL scripters
- Non-experienced/beginners of JSL scripting can take advantage of the mechanism as well
- It is a single file that any JMP user can install and use just like any other part of JMP. They usually contain scripts that might perform a multitude of functions
- Why would I create one and use one?
- Performing routine multi-step processes with a simple click on a menu item
- Such as connecting to a database, extract data, manipulate it, graph it, and analyze it
- Extend functionality of JMP
- Creating a custom user interface that may simplify a common workflow
- Connecting to other programing languages such as R, Python, Matlab, and SAS to give access to additional analytic tools not found natively in JMP/JMP Pro
- Create reusable, deployable dashboards within the JMP Framework
- Who would use an Add-in?
- Anybody who uses JMP but finds themselves doing routine multi-step processes/actions and wants to save time
- Anyone who uses JMP and wants to add additional capabilities
- Anyone who uses JMP and wants their co-workers who use JMP to be more productive with JMP but may not be very JMP savvy
- How do I create an Add-in?
- First, you need a script
- Where this script comes from depends on where you are starting
- The Add-in Builder will typically be initiated from different starting points
- The next sections will cover how to open the Add-in Builder from the different starting points
NOTE: you can manually create an Add-in without using the Add-in Builder, but that would be for some advanced options not found in the Add-in Builder. See "Where to go for more" section below
The Add-In Builder
- The quickest way to invoke the Add-in Builder is going to File>New>Add-in (Windows OS)
- macOS users go to File > New > New Add-In).
- The Add-in Builder window will appear
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There are 5 tabs that appear, each with their own function. Details of each tab are given in the Online Help Link in the "Where to go for more" section below
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We will take a brief over view of each tab live within JMP
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General Tab: Used for identifying the Add-in and restrictions around it
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Menu Items: Where the main script resides for each defined Menu item
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Start-up Script: The script that will be run when JMP starts (and the Add-in starts)
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Exit Script: The script that will be run when JMP closes or the Add-in is disabled
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Additional Files: All the files that the Add-in will use that is not already defined in the previous tabs
Application and Dashboard Builder
- When in either the Application Builder or the Dashboard Builder, one can go directly to the Add-in Builder
- To do this, click the red triangle and select Save Script > To Add-In
- This will copy over the script that represents the current Application or Dashboard into the Menu Items section of the Add-in Builder
- The rest of the process of creating an Add-in is the same as in the previous section
Examples
A couple of examples were given and two exercises referenced. They are in the Journal within the zip file attached to this post.
