[Info-vax] VMS Basic strings class D vs class S

[Dave Froble]

On 2/25/2024 4:33 PM, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
> If I have understood it correctly then VMS Basic
> strings use class D descriptors.
>
> That is very nice.
>
> But what happens if non-Basic code call Basic
> code with a string using a class S descriptor?
> For input/read? For output/write?
>
> Does the Basic runtime call some STR$ function that
> understands the difference between S and D and handle
> A properly? Or will I get a runtime error due to invalid
> string?
>
> Arne

I don't know the correct answer, but, at a guess, whatever is called to handle 
the string quite likely will evaluate the descriptor and do "the right thing". 
That would be my bet.  Otherwise, why have descriptors?

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David Froble                       Tel: 724-529-0450
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