Re: Irritating sqr error -Reply

[Jim Hardesty <jhardest@LMBERRY.COM>]

The problem only occurs when the variable being assigned ends in #,$ etc. So
database column names are not an issue.  Unless you are assigning values to
database columns after they have been selected (shudder).

It is true that I do have the ability to name my variables other names.  But I don't
really appreciate having to write code like the following just because the compiler
isn't all that smart.  I don't like code with unnecessary complications just waiting
to trip someone up during the next upgrade.

Where pc.check# = #selected_check_number    instead of the prettier
Where pc.check# = #selected_check#

Also, in many cases I am modifying existing peoplesoft programs and I do not
have the option of changing the variable name.  Instead I am forced to use the
more efficient MOVE command instead of the slow, plodding LET command I
prefer.  :)

jim

>>> the dragon <ceprn@HOTMAIL.COM> 10/27/99 03:37pm >>>
Jim,

Yes, I agree that someone was watching their tonsils when the designed the
databases, in more ways than one... However, keep in mind that if you are
ever dealing with a #variable# or $variable$ in a program, you have yourself
to blame.  It's very simple to change the name of a variable as it is
selected from the database - creating a &variable that won't cause problems
and then a $variable or #variable that doesn't cause problems.  No one ever
said you have to use the column name as a variable internally to the sqr.
Yes, this makes the code less confusing (in some cases), but it can also
cause processing problems.

begin-select

tbl.page#           &page_nbr
tbl.line#           &line_nbr
tbl.transit#        &transit_nbr

   let #page_nbr    = &page_nbr
   let #line_nbr    = &line_nbr
   let $transit_nbr = &transit_nbr

from ps_stoopid_over_normalized_table tbl  ! :-)
where 1 = 1
and   tbl.page = 67 ! don't know if this is number or character

end-select

clark 'the dragon' willis
dragon enterprises, consulting services

you wrote....
If only PS hadn't named all these fields page#, line#, transit#, etc etc
etc.

jim

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