Question:
Is there a maximaum length of an SQL program? I have used the query designer in Visual Foxpro 3.0 with many lines of criteria. When I try to run it I get the following error message:

SQL: Statement too long.

If I take out a few lines of criteria, it works. Why would they make a limit on the length of an SQL routine? I even tried to use the “Program” mode and got the same error.

Answer:
The important piece of information when working with large SQL statements in Visual FoxPro is the length of the compiled length of the WHERE clause. There is no way to judge the compiled length from the actual SQL statement: I have seen developers parse the SQL and run several smaller SQL statements that use the result of the previous SQL statements, but this can only occur under controlled circumstances.

Visual FoxPro 6 has a SYS() function that extends this limit.