PRB: FoxPro for Macintosh Allows Periods in Filenames

 Last reviewed: June 3, 1996
Article ID: Q110536
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, version 2.5b

SYMPTOMS

FoxPro for Macintosh allows periods to be used in filenames, whereas FoxPro for MS-DOS and FoxPro for Windows do not. Using periods in filenames may cause unforeseen problems in FoxPro for Macintosh because FoxPro is an extension-based language.

For example, FoxPro defines a default extension for each file based upon the manner in which it was created. This feature allows FoxPro to give several objects the same name without overwriting different objects with that same name. Using periods in the filename, however, overrides the default file extension assigned by FoxPro.

NOTE: This behavior does not occur under Visual FoxPro for Macintosh.

RESOLUTION

To avoid problems, do not use periods in filenames in FoxPro for Macintosh.

STATUS

This behavior is by design. However, this feature is under review and will be considered for revision in a future release.

MORE INFORMATION

For a comprehensive list of FoxPro file extensions, type the following command in the Command window: 

   HELP file extensions

Steps to Reproduce Problem

The following is one example of the problems that may occur as the result of using periods in filenames:

  1. Create a new program.
2. Issue the following command in the Command window: 

      WAIT WINDOW "Hello"

  • Save the program with the name 1.2.3. 4. Run the 1.2.3 program.

    The error message that results is "File 1.2.3 does not exist." Similar errors will occur when you are trying to run programs generated from screens named "2.3.4" or menus named "3.4.5".

    • Additional reference words: FoxMac 2.50b errmsg err msg
    KBCategory: kbprg kberrmsg kbprb
    KBSubcategory:

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    Last reviewed: June 3, 1996
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