Q115108: Cursor Name Must Be Alias, Not .DBF Name

Article: Q115108
Product(s): Microsoft FoxPro
Version(s): MACINTOSH:2.5b,2.5c,3.0b
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 10-FEB-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, versions 2.5b, 2.5c 
- Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Macintosh, version 3.0b 
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SYMPTOMS
========

The following commands will cause a syntax error:

     CREATE CURSOR 'new cursor' (name c(20))
     SELECT * FROM tutorial\customer INTO CURSOR 'new cursor'

CAUSE
=====

The cursor name specified is a valid .DBF name for FoxPro for Macintosh, but is
not a valid alias name. The cursor name must be a valid alias name.

The documentation for the CREATE CURSOR command on page 282 in the "Language
Reference" and in the online Help file shows the following syntax:

     CREATE CURSOR <dbf_name>

This syntax is incorrect. It should say "<alias_name>" instead of
"<dbf_name>". The SELECT - SQL command does not specify whether a .DBF or
alias name must be used when the output is selected into a cursor. If the query
is directed into a cursor, a valid alias name must be used. If the query is
directed into a table, a valid table name must be used. Selecting into a table
instead of a cursor allows the use of spaces within a table name.

RESOLUTION
==========

To avoid this problem, do the following:

- Use a valid alias name. A valid alias name can contain up to 10 letters,
  digits, or underscores, and must begin with a letter or an underscore.

- If the output filename must contain spaces, use the CREATE TABLE or SELECT
  ... INTO TABLE commands.

Additional query words: VFoxMac FoxMac docerr

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbHWMAC kbOSMAC kbVFPsearch kbAudDeveloper kbFoxproSearch kbFoxPro250bMac kbFoxPro250cMac kbVFP300bMac
Version           : MACINTOSH:2.5b,2.5c,3.0b

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