PRB: "Syntax Error"/"Variable Not Found" with BROWSE FIELDS /F

• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5 and 2.5a
• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.0, 2.5, and 2.5a

SYMPTOMS

Using a forward slash (/) as a replacement for the colon that is used in conjunction with the forced validation (:F) option produces one of the following error messages:

   Syntax error

   -or-

   Variable not found

CAUSE

The slash symbol (/) is not a valid replacement for the colon (:) that is used with the forced validation option in the BROWSE FIELDS list.

According to Page C3-173 in the "Commands & Functions" manual for FoxPro version 2.0 for MS-DOS, the colon delimiter used in the various options associated with the BROWSE FIELDS clause can alternately be replaced with a forward slash. This statement is correct for all the options except the forced validation option.

This documentation error occurs on Page C3-173 of the "Commands & Functions" manual for FoxPro version 2.0 for MS-DOS.

NOTE: This statement does not appear in the version 2.5 "Language Reference."

RESOLUTION

Use a colon instead of a forward slash when you are using the forced validation option.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

The following code will cause an error:

   USE Customer
   BROWSE FIELDS Company,Zip,Zip /V = Zip ="76015" /F ;
      /E="Zip Code must be 76015"

   USE Customer
   BROWSE FIELDS Company,Zip,Zip /V = Zip ="76015" :F ;
      /E = "Zip Code must be 76015"

REFERENCES

"Language Reference," version 2.5, page L3-237