PRB: "SQL Expression Too Complex" with Long IN Clause

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

SYMPTOMS

The "SQL expression too complex" error message appears if you have used 25 or more values in the IN clause of the SQL SELECT command.

CAUSE

The maximum number of values you may include in the IN clause is 24.

RESOLUTION

See below for an example of the problem and a workaround.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Use the CUSTOMER.DBF database in the TUTORIAL directory.

2. Issue the following SQL SELECT command:

   Select * from customer where cno in; ('1','2','3','4','5','6','7','8','9','10','11','12','13','14','15',;

      '16','17','18','19','20','21','22','23','24','25')
   
   

Workaround

1. Create a temporary database with one field in it called CNO.

2. Issue the following SQL SELECT command:

         Select * from customer where cno in (select cno from temp)