Q37029: "Invalid Constant" Using Variable for Length of Fixed String

Article: Q37029
Product(s): See article
Version(s): 4.00 4.00b 4.50
Operating System(s): MS-DOS
Keyword(s): ENDUSER | B_BasicCom | mspl13_basic
Last Modified: 28-DEC-1989

The length of a fixed-length character string variable must be
specified as a integer constant or as a CONST integer constant. The
run-time error "Invalid Constant" results if the number in a "STRING *
number" clause of a DIM or REDIM statement is a variable, or a
constant of a non-integer type.

The length of a fixed-length string must not be negative. A
fixed-length string must have a length of at least one.

This information applies to Microsoft QuickBASIC Versions 4.00, 4.00b,
and 4.50, to Microsoft BASIC Compiler Versions 6.00 and 6.00b for
MS-DOS and MS OS/2, and to Microsoft BASIC PDS Version 7.00 for MS-DOS
and MS OS/2.

QuickBASIC versions earlier than Version 4.00 do not support
fixed-length string variables.

The following is a code example:

'This program will correctly give "Invalid Constant" when x is replaced
'by y or z in the DIM statement.
   DEFINT A-Z
   CONST x = 11
   CONST y = 11.0
   z = 11
   DIM a AS STRING * x
   a = "hello there"
   PRINT a
   END

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