---
title: The “ADD” Expression
description: "The Assette Data Object Editor supports a variety of expressions and functions that allow you to manipulate and calculate data effectively. One of the fundamental mathematical operations available is the **\"ADD\"** expression, which is performed using the `+` operator. ##…"
url: "https://learn.assette.com/docs/the-add-expression/"
updated: "2024-11-08"
category: Developers / Developer Tools / Data Object Editor / Expressions
---

# The “ADD” Expression

The Assette Data Object Editor supports a variety of expressions and functions that allow you to manipulate and calculate data effectively. One of the fundamental mathematical operations available is the **"ADD"** expression, which is performed using the `+` operator.

## Mathematical Operators Overview

Before exploring the "ADD" expression in detail, let's review the basic mathematical operators supported by the Data Object Editor:

- **Addition (`+`)**: Adds two or more numbers together.
  - Example: `1 + 2 + 3` returns `6`.
- **Subtraction (`-`)**: Subtracts one number from another.
  - Example: `10 - 9 - 8` returns `-7`.
- **Multiplication (`*`)**: Multiplies two or more numbers.
  - Example: `1 * 2 * 3` returns `6`.
- **Division (`/`)**: Divides one number by another.
  - Example: `1000 / 10 / 10` returns `10`.

## The "ADD" Expression Using the "+" Operator

In the Assette Data Object Editor, addition is performed using the + operator. This operator allows you to add numerical values together to calculate sums.

### Syntax

value1, value2, value3: Numeric values or variables you wish to add together.

```
value1 + value2 + value3 + …
```

### Examples

**Simple Addition**

Add two numbers. Result: 15

```
5 + 10
```

**Adding Multiple Numbers**

Add several numbers in a sequence. Result: 20

```
2 + 4 + 6 + 8
```

**Using Variables**

If you have variables representing data points, you can add them directly. Result: Sum of the revenues for all four quarters.

```
revenueQ1 + revenueQ2 + revenueQ3 + revenueQ4
```

**Combining with Other Operators**

You can combine addition with other mathematical operations. Result: Total cost including shipping.

```
(price * quantity) + shippingCost
```

### Grouping with Parentheses

Use parentheses ( and ) to group expressions and control the order of operations.

**Example**

Calculate the total cost with a discount:

```
(totalPrice - discount) + tax
```

**Without Parentheses**

This subtracts discount from totalPrice and then adds tax.

```
totalPrice - discount + tax
```

**With Parentheses**

This adds discount and tax first, then subtracts the result from totalPrice.

```
totalPrice - (discount + tax)
```

## Important Considerations

- **Order of Operations:** The Data Object Editor follows standard mathematical order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). Operations inside parentheses are evaluated first, followed by multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction.
- **Data Types:** Ensure that the values you are adding are numerical. Adding non-numeric data may result in errors or unintended results.
- **Null and Undefined Values:**
  - **Null:**Represents a null value (e.g., data point not available).
  - **Undefined:**Represents an undefined or unassigned value (e.g., result of dividing by zero).

Use the HasValue function to check if a value is neither null nor undefined before performing addition:

```
HasValue(value1) and HasValue(value2) ? (value1 + value2) : defaultValue
```

**Conditional Addition:**

You can use conditional expressions to add values only if certain conditions are met.

```
(quantity > 0) ? (price * quantity) : 0
```

This calculates the total cost only if quantity is greater than 0.

**Using the Mod and Power Functions**

In addition to the + operator, the Data Object Editor provides mathematical functions that can be used in conjunction with addition:

- Mod(n1, n2): Returns the remainder of n1 divided by n2.
  - Example: Mod(11, 3) returns 2.
- Power(n1, n2): Calculates n1 raised to the power of n2.
  - Example: Power(10, 3) returns 1000.
- These functions can be combined with addition for more complex calculations.

**Example**

Calculate the sum of a number and its square. If number is 5, the expression evaluates to 5 + 25 = 30.

```
number + Power(number, 2)
```

### Practical Use Cases

**Calculating Totals.**

Compute the total sales amount:

```
unitPrice * quantitySold
```

**Aggregating Data**

Add up different expense categories to get the total expenses:

```
travelExpenses + lodgingExpenses + mealExpenses
```

**Adjusting Values**

Increase a value by a certain percentage:

```
value + (value * percentageIncrease / 100)
```

**Calculating Averages**

Compute the average of several numbers.

```
(score1 + score2 + score3) / 3
```

## Summary

- The "ADD" expression in the Assette Data Object Editor is performed using the + operator.
- Use the + operator to add numerical values or variables.
- Combine addition with other mathematical operations for complex calculations.
- Use parentheses to control the order of operations.
- Ensure values are numeric and handle null or undefined values appropriately.