PRB: @ ... SAY Command in Format File Causes Extra Column

• Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, version 2.6
• Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, version 2.6

SYMPTOMS

The @ ... SAY command functions differently in a FoxPro format file than in a dBASE IV format file.

CAUSE

FoxPro and dBASE format files differ in functionality. In FoxPro, the BROWSE FORMAT command has been enhanced so that an @ ... SAY command in a format file creates a calculated, read-only field. In dBASE IV, this command is ignored.

If a dBASE IV format file is migrated to FoxPro, extra columns may appear if a BROWSE FORMAT command is then issued using this format file.

RESOLUTION

Remove the @ ... SAY commands unless a calculated field is desired.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Create a file named CUSTOMER.FMT with the following commands:

         @ 1,1 SAY "CNO"
         @ 1,10 GET cno
         @ 2,1 SAY "CUSTOMER"
         @ 2,10 GET company
   

   TIP: As an alternative, combine the corresponding @ ... SAY commands and @ ... GET commands into one command. For example:

         @1,1 SAY 'CNO' GET cno
         @2,1 SAY 'COMPANY' GET company
   

2. Issue the following commands in the FoxPro Command window:

         USE tutorial\customer
         SET FORMAT TO customer.fmt
         BROWSE FORMAT