- Using Flag Strings
  - Many NeXtMidas commands (such as `PLOT`) use the concept of flag strings.
  - Flag strings are string representations of flag numbers.
  - Flag strings are preferred over flag numbers because:
    - Strings are more readable
    - Allows new flags to be added or removed more easily.
  - The pipe character (|) is used to separate flag strings.

        nM> plot fftdemo /bg
        nM> set reg.plot.readout "SHOW|ONTITLE|ONAXIS|X|Y"

  - The tilde character (~) is often used to toggle a flag.

        nM> set reg.plot.readout ~SHOW ! Toggles on -> off
        nM> set reg.plot.readout ~SHOW ! Toggles off -> on

  - The minus character (-) is used to remove a flag.

        nM> set reg.plot.readout -ONTITLE
        nM> set reg.plot.readout -VIEW

  - The plus character (+) is used to add a flag.

        nM> set reg.plot.readout +ONTITLE

  - Flag strings modifiers like plus (+) and minus (-) can be used in conjunction with the pipe (|) separator

        nM> set reg.plot.readout -ONTITLE|+VIEW

  - Deprecated: In the past it was possible to use the hex values to set the flags (e.g. "`0X4786`"); this is deprecated since the hex values mean nothing to someone reading your macro, and they are not backwards-compatible if a new mask option is added.

Java Experts Take Note:
Most of the work for converting flags to Strings is done in the `Parser` class in the methods `mask` and `mask2s`.