"Invalid Constant" Using Variable for Length of Fixed String (37029)

SUMMARY

The length of a fixed-length character string variable must be specified as a integer constant or as a CONST integer constant. The run-time error "Invalid Constant" results if the number in a "STRING * number" clause of a DIM or REDIM statement is a variable, or a constant of a non-integer type.

The length of a fixed-length string must not be negative. A fixed-length string must have a length of at least one.

This information applies to Microsoft QuickBasic Versions 4.00, 4.00b, and 4.50, to Microsoft Basic Compiler Versions 6.00 and 6.00b for MS-DOS and MS OS/2, and to Microsoft Basic PDS Version 7.00 for MS-DOS and MS OS/2.

'This program will correctly give "Invalid Constant" when x is replaced
'by y or z in the DIM statement.
   DEFINT A-Z
   CONST x = 11
   CONST y = 11.0
   z = 11
   DIM a AS STRING * x
   a = "hello there"
   PRINT a
   END