Macros

In this section, you will be introduced to macros, which are used to insert generated code into the programs. So, a macro is simply a block of code that can be compiled directly rather than the conventional method of constructing expression statements and using the eval() function. The advantage of using macros is that a block of code that has to be hardcoded multiple times can be generated on-the-fly by creating macros for it.

Getting ready

To get started with this section, you must simply have your Julia REPL up and running.

How to do it...

1. Let's create a macro named welcome to print Welcome to Julia:

   macro welcome()
   return :(println("Welcome to Julia"))
   end
   

   This is how it would look when done in the REPL:

   

2. Now, let's check the macro you have created in the preceding step. Macros are represented by an @ before their name. So, your macro would be represented by @welcome(). It can be checked as follows:

   @welcome()
   

   This is how it would look when printed in the REPL:

   

3. Now, let's include...