If you manage a custom JMP application, you may not have a DevOps team that codes in JMP Scripting Language (JSL). But that shouldn’t stop you from harnessing the most effective development practices available today.

This article will provide you six development resources (used by the Predictum DevOps team!) to help you code proficiently in JSL.

Using a text editor makes coding an easier experience. This software is designed for heavy-duty coding and gives you a comfortable, organized space to create the custom JMP applications you need.

Of course, nothing is stopping you from writing JSL code in JMP software’s default editor. In fact, it’s useful for small scripts and quick tasks. However, you will find yourself overwhelmed if you are managing thousands of lines of code or supporting the needs of multiple departments in your business.

At Predictum, we use Visual Studio Code (VS Code for short). It’s a well-supported editor with a wide array of workflow automation plugins, such as syntax lint readers, command lines, and deployment tools. No matter what text editor you choose, you will be able to manage larger codebases and facilitate development of custom JMP applications.   

If you use VS Code, here’s an opportunity to make life a lot easier for yourself: Predictum’s very own JSL Plugin for VS Code Editor. 
 
This easy–to–use plugin adds JSL syntax to your editor. Now, when you develop, VS Code will recommend the scripts and code you need within keystrokes. To learn more and download, you can visit Predictum’s GitHub JSL project, where you can see project updates and maintenance by our DevOps team. 

In my early days as a JSL coder at Sanofi Pasteur, I was tasked with creating annual product report graphs for our data science teams. Sure, I had my own knowledge and resources available, but for problems I couldn’t solve I quickly found a wealth of industry and hands-on knowledge at JMP Discussions. 

The JMP User Community and its discussion boards give you a deep community of experience across industries and JMP use cases. It is the definitive support forum for JSL coders of all skill levels. Our Predictum staff are active members of JMP Discussions, contributing to its knowledge share.

If you have a problem, post it to JMP Discussions. Perhaps some of our team members will chat with you! And, by the way, you might make some new friends and partnerships there. Now, that’s a deal!  

Version control is critical in software development across the world. Why shouldn’t it be for JMP scripting?  That’s where Git hosting solutions, such as GitLab, come in.

Git is an open-source version control software, originally authored in 2005 by Linus Torvalds for use in Linux development. Nowadays, Git, its cloud-based sibling GitHub, and GitLab are viable solutions for managing mission-critical, custom JMP applications. For proprietary knowledge work in a larger organization, you may want to consider using GitLab.  

GitLab acts as a central repository, keeping internal scripts securely managed in a company’s internal network. Implementing a GitLab server internally will take individual and team-based work to the next level.

For process-monitoring teams, ensuring that code works error-free as intended and is compatible with JMP’s statistical discovery platform is critical. You can’t have that ability without a strong application environment for version control and documentation.

Want to get started? See if GitLab is right for you. 

One sure-fire way to notch up on your JSL skills is to read the JMP Scripting Guide. Every JMP application comes with the JMP Scripting Guide included in the application interface. To get started, launch JMP and use the following navigation: 

Help > JMP Documentation Library. Select “Scripting Guide” in the table of contents.

Other resources offered online by JMP software include: 

• The JSL Companion 
• Jump into JMP Scripting  

You can only become a better JSL developer by reading JSL documentation and working on your applications habitually. The Buddha says, “Drop by drop is the pot of water filled.” If you are able, set time aside to read and practice. It is an investment in yourself as a skilled JSL coder and JMP user, and in your custom application’s ability to deliver steadfast insights.

Maintaining custom JMP applications is typically not the primary job of the engineers and scientists who learn JSL to meet a pressing business need.

The challenge grows exponentially when JSL scripts get passed on to others extend and maintain, or the original code author is no longer available to help. When the problems or challenges occur in running your custom application, you, as the developer, will end up pressed to provide support. Add to it that others in your company may request feature enhancements to meet emerging business needs. All said and done, some JSL developers end up living the expression: “No good deed goes unpunished.” 

When your custom applications don’t meet your changing business needs, it may be time to work with a fast, effective DevOps team. 

There is no wrong time to invest in advancing your skills in coding JSL, using JMP software, and boosting the quality of your custom applications. Here’s to your custom application development projects and your success, with effective resources that will make your daily work more time-efficient.