Interactive Shells

m cannot only execute complete scripts, it can also be used interactively, as a shell. When working in shell mode, there are a few differences to normal m scripts:

• m statements are executed interactively: m code can be entered and is executed immediately. Global variables and functions are preserved between executions.
• The syntax allows some simplifications (see section * ()).
• Each time a shell is created, it loads and executes autoexec.m before prompting the user. The script is first searched among the ordinary scripts in system.docdir. If it is not found, the default script in system.appdir is executed.

• Simplified Syntax for Interactive Use
• Shell Builtin Functions
  • .cp
  • .del
  • .dir
  • .edit
  • .exit
  • .md
  • .mv
  • .rd
  • .ren
  • .run
  • .send
  • .type