PRB: Macro Substitution Doesn't Work with M Prefix

 Last reviewed: April 30, 1996
Article ID: Q112495
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, version 3.0
  • Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b
  • Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.0, 2.5, 2.5a, and 2.5b
  • Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, version 2.5b

SYMPTOMS

Macro substitution fails on variables that use the M prefix ("m." or "m->").

RESOLUTION

Use the variable without the M prefix.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

The M prefix is used to differentiate between memory variables and database fields with the same name. It is not needed for memory variables whose names do not match any field names in the current work area.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

Assuming a database called CUSTOMER.DBF (you can use the one from the TUTORIAL subdirectory) is in the current directory, type the following in the Command window: 

   testvar = "CUSTOMER"
   USE &m.testvar
This causes the following error message: 

   File '&m.testvar' does not exist.

Other Error Messages

Using a variable with the M prefix in macro substitution for the WHEN clause of a SQL SELECT statement may cause the following error message: 

   Syntax Error.

Additional reference words: VFoxWin 3.00 FoxMac FoxDos FoxWin 2.00 2.50
2.50a 2.50b
period dot
errmsg
err msg
KBCategory: kbprg kberrmsg kbprb
KBSubcategory: FxprgSql

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Last reviewed: April 30, 1996
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