Purpose

>>-NOP--;------------------------------------------------------><
NOP is a dummy instruction that has no effect. It can be
useful as the target of a THEN or ELSE clause:
- Example:
Select
when a=c then nop /* Do nothing */
when a>c then say 'A > C'
otherwise say 'A < C'
end
Note: Putting an extra semicolon instead of the NOP would
merely insert a null clause, which would be ignored. The second WHEN
clause would be seen as the first instruction expected after the THEN,
and would, therefore, be treated as a syntax error. NOP is a true
instruction, however, and is, therefore, a valid target for the THEN
clause.