Ado files and mata function

[Han Ng]

Hi,

I am writing a stata program. I would like to have as one of the arguments of the stata program to be a mata function. Can I get some advice if this is feasible and if it is, what is the best way to go about doing this? It would be great if someone can direct me to the relevant documentation.

For example, my code will look something like the following:

program define logdensity 

syntax varlist(max = 1) [if] [in], g(mata function)
marksample touse
 
mata: PS_estimator(varlist, g)
end

mata

void PS_estimator(varlist, g){

"performs calculation at the background that involves the g function"

}
end

Secondly, I would also like to know if there is a way to allow mata functions to accept other mata functions as an argument. Thanks.

[Niels Henrik Bruun]

Dear Han

One way could be seeking inspiration from:

cls
clear
mata mata clear
capture program drop rmf
program define rmf //run mata function 
syntax varlist(max = 1) [if] [in], Function(string)

if !inlist(`"`function'"', "mean", "sum") _error("Allowed mata functions are mean or sum")
else mata: f`function'(`"`varlist'"')
end

mata:
    real scalar fmean(string scalar vn) return(mean(st_data(.,vn)))
    real scalar fsum(string scalar vn) return(sum(st_data(.,vn)))
end

set seed 4
set obs 10
generate x = runiformint(0,5)
rmf x, f(sum)
rmf x, f(mean)

Regarding your second question look at pointers

[Han Ng]

Thanks Niels!