created: 20150220181617000
modified: 20150221221642000
tags: WikiText
title: Macro Definitions in WikiText
type: text/vnd.tiddlywiki
caption: Macro Definitions

A [[macro|Macros]] is defined using a `\define` [[pragma|Pragma]]. Like any pragma, this can only appear at the start of a tiddler.

The first line of the definition specifies the macro name and any parameters. Each parameter has a name, and optionally a default value that is used if no value is supplied on a particular call to the macro. The lines that follow contain the macro's text (i.e. the snippet represented by the macro name), until `\end` appears on a line by itself:

<$codeblock code={{$:/editions/tw5.com/macro-examples/say-hi}}/>

Alternatively, the entire definition can be presented on a single line, without an `\end` marker:

```
\define sayhi(name:"Bugs Bunny") Hi, I'm $name$.
```

A more formal [[presentation|Macro Definition Syntax]] of this syntax is also available.

!! Placeholders

The snippet can contain placeholders for parameters. These consist of a parameter name between dollar signs, like `$this$`.

It can also contain placeholders for [[variables|Variables]]. These consist of a variable name (or macro name) between dollar signs and round brackets, like `$(this)$`.

The actual value of the parameter or variable is substituted for the placeholder whenever the macro is called:

<$importvariables filter="$:/editions/tw5.com/macro-examples/say-hi-using-variables">
<$codeblock code={{$:/editions/tw5.com/macro-examples/say-hi-using-variables}}/>
<$macrocall $name=".example" n="1"
eg="""<$set name="address" value="Rabbit Hole Hill">
<<say-hi-using-variables>>
</$set>"""/>
</$importvariables>

!! Scope

Macros are available to the tiddler that defines them, plus any tiddlers that it transcludes.

To make a macro available to all tiddlers, define it in a tiddler that has the tag <<.tag $:/tags/Macro>>.

It is also possible to write a macro as a [[JavaScript module|https://tiddlywiki.com/dev/index.html#JavaScript%20Macros]]. ~JavaScript macros are available to all tiddlers, and offer the maximum flexibility.

A tiddler can manually import macro definitions from a [[selection|Title Selection]] of other tiddlers by using the <<.wlink ImportVariablesWidget>> widget.