380
WITH..END WITH Directive
Object Reference Construct
Format
WITH object ..END WITH
Where:
END WITH
Directive to end WITH construct.
object
Object handle.
Description
The WITH directive is used in Object Oriented Programming (OOP) to simplify the
coding of multiple statements that refer to the same object. A logical "." variable is
used in place of the object name prior to the Apostrophe Operator in all property/
method references; e.g.,
WITH Button_1.ctl
.'col=1,.'line=49,.'text$="Push Me"
END WITH
When a WITH directive is encountered, the current value of the logical "." variable is
preserved on a stack, which is restored upon execution of an END WITH. Each WITH
should be terminated by an END WITH. The "." variable is only allowed to be
referenced as an object handle; therefore, any other "." references (without the
(Invalid)
.=3
(Invalid)
PRINT .
.'value$="ABC"(Valid)
The value of the "." variable is global; i.e., if it is set in mainline code, it will be
maintained over a CALL or PERFORM to a subprogram or object method. However, if
it changes, the change will not be passed back to the mainline. Subroutines (GOSUB)
can change the value and alter the WITH stack.
The WITH stack is maintained separately from the GOSUB/FOR/WHILE stack. Each
program level (CALL/PERFORM) has its own WITH stack, which is freed upon exit of
the program level. The maximum number of WITH values that can be stacked is 20
per program level. Attempting to issue an END WITH without a corresponding WITH
will generate an Error #27 (Unexpected WEND, RETURN, or NEXT).
Transferring into the middle of a WITH structure is allowed; however, it is the
developer's responsibility to assure that the WITH stack is properly maintained.
The current value of "." is available in TCB(93).
See Also