INFO: Tab Keyword Cannot Be Used as Object Type in Visual Basic (150185)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual Basic Learning Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Enterprise Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Standard Edition, 32-bit, for Windows 4.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition, 32-bit, for Windows 4.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Enterprise Edition, 32-bit, for Windows 4.0
This article was previously published under Q150185

SUMMARY

The TabStrip control contains an object, Tab, which supports the various properties of a tab in the control. The word Tab cannot be used in a declaration to dimension an object. This is because Tab is a keyword in Visual Basic.

STATUS

This is by design. Since Tab is a keyword in Visual Basic, it cannot be used in a declaration without employing one of the workarounds documented below.

WORKAROUND

There are several ways to dimension a Tab object, which is part of the TabStrip control:

  • Preface the object with the library in which it is contained. In the case of Tab: 
       Dim x As ComctlLib.Tab
    Later in the code, x has to be set to the correct tab object. For example: 
       Set x = New TabStrip1.Tabs(0)
    -or-

  • Use late binding, and dimension the Tab as a generic object: 
       Dim x As Object

   Set x = New TabStrip1.Tabs(0)

Steps to Reproduce Problem

  1. Create a new project in Visual Basic. Form1 is created by default. Add a TabStrip control to a form.
  2. In the Form_Load event place the following code: 
          Private Sub Form_Load()

   Dim x As Tab

   End Sub
  3. Run the project by pressing F5. Visual Basic will correctly highlight the dimension statement and report a Syntax Error.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/24/2004
Keywords:kbinfo KB150185
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.