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MEL and Expressions

How do I execute a statement created at runtime?

Use the eval command. The eval command is designed to allow execution of a string that is built at runtime.

For example:

switch($timeOfDay) { 
    case "morning": 
        $shape = "circle"; 
        break; 
    case "afternoon": 
        $shape = "sphere"; 
        break; 
    case "evening": 
        $shape = "cone"; 
        break; 
    default: 
        $shape = "cylinder"; 
} 
eval $shape -r 5;  // create specified shape with radius 5. 

Alternatively, you could use eval with function syntax:

eval ($shape+" -r 5"); 

You can also use the evalEcho and evalDeferred commands.