PRB: Letters A through J and M Invalid Object Variable Names (166936)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 3.0b
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 5.0a
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Macintosh 3.0b
This article was previously published under Q166936

SYMPTOMS

The following error occurs when trying to access the properties of an object that is named by a single character from A through J, or M:
Variable '<variablename>' not found.

CAUSE

The letters A through J are reserved by Visual FoxPro to reference workspace names. The letter M is reserved for backward compatibility with the SCATTER and GATHER commands.

RESOLUTION

Do not name object variables by the single characters from A through J or M.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

  1. Create a form.
  2. Place a command button on the form.
  3. In the Click event of the command button, place the following code: 
          C=THISFORM
      WAIT WINDOW C.NAME
    When this code is run, it produces this error:
    Variable 'NAME' Not Found
If you need to use one of these letters as an object variable, use the following method to return the value of a property. This does not allow the setting of properties, nor does it expose any methods of the object. 
      C="THISFORM"
      WAIT WINDOW EVALUATE(C+".NAME")
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/10/2003
Keywords:kbprb kbprogramming KB166936
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