$ZPrevious()

The $ZPREVIOUS function returns the subscript of the previous local or global variable name in collation sequence within the array level specified by its argument. When $ZPREVIOUS() has an unsubscripted argument, it returns the previous unsubscripted local or global variable name in collating sequence.

The $ZPREVIOUS function provides compatibility with some other M implementations. The M Development Committee chose to implement this functionality with the optional second -1 argument of $ORDER(). Therefore, when a design requires this functionality $ORDER() has the advantage over $ZPREVIOUS of being part of the M standard.

The format for the $ZPREVIOUS function is:

$ZP[REVIOUS](glvn)

$ZPREVIOUS() is equivalent to $ORDER() with a second argument of -1.