BC "Internal Error" with Array of TYPE Using Array of STRING*1 (68023)

SYMPTOMS

The following code example demonstrates a problem using an array of user-defined TYPE variables that contain an array of fixed-length strings of length one. The BC.EXE compiler incorrectly gives the message "BC : Internal Error near XXXX" when compiling this example. The QBX.EXE environment compiles the same example without error.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a bug in the Microsoft Basic Professional Development System (PDS) versions 7.00 and 7.10 for MS-DOS and MS OS/2. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Code Sample

'$DYNAMIC
TYPE rectype
  a(10) AS STRING * 1
END TYPE
DIM b(10) AS rectype
byte% = 0
10 b(1).a(byte%) = "a"

Save the file as TEST.BAS and then attempt to compile with BC.EXE using the following command line:

BC TEST;

The compiler will issue the "Internal Error" message.

The error occurs only if ALL the following conditions are met:

The array b() is dynamic.
The second array element in line 10 is referenced with a variable.
The fixed-length string in the TYPE is of length one (STRING * 1).
The program is compiled without run-time error checking (without the BC /D option).

To work around this problem, just counteract any one of the above conditions, using one of the following four suggested workarounds:

Make the array b() static. For example, if you add the '$STATIC metacommand before the DIM as follows, the program will compile correctly:
```
      '$STATIC
      DIM b(10) AS rectype
      '$DYNAMIC
						
```
Reference the second element in line 10 with a constant instead of a variable.
Use STRING * 2 or a longer length.
Compile with the BC /D option.