Function syntax conventions show you how to interpret the syntax notation for Anaplan functions. They include the rules for required, optional, and dependent arguments. This will make your formulas clear, consistent, and easy to understand.

Dependent (nested) optional arguments

Dependent optional arguments depend on the previous optional argument. You can only use an argument if the optional argument before it is also used. They are shown with nested square brackets. For example:

FUNCTION(ReqArg[, OptArg1[, OptArg2[, OptArg3]]])


Here:

  • ReqArg is a placeholder for the required argument
  • OptArg1, OptArg2, and OptArg3 are placeholders for the optional arguments

Note: The square brackets [] show you which arguments are optional within a function's structure. They aren't part of the formula syntax and mustn't be typed into the formula bar.

Based on the above example, here are the valid ways to structure the formula:

Combination examplesDescriptionIs it valid?
FUNCTION(A)You provide only the required argument.Yes
FUNCTION(A, B)You provide the first optional argument.Yes
FUNCTION(A, B, C)You provide the first and second optional arguments.Yes
FUNCTION(A, C)You try to skip OptArg1 to provide OptArg2.No

Summary

SyntaxDescription
FUNCTION(ReqArg[, OptArg1[, OptArg2]])Each optional argument depends on the previous optional argument.

Most Anaplan function syntaxes follow this dependent (nested) structure. A small number of functions, such as IRR and NPV, have independent optional arguments.