It is important to understand that SQL commands in 4D can be coded in three different ways with using an external data file.

1. Inside a Begin SQL - End SQL block
2. Using SQL EXECUTE, outside of a Begin SQL - End SQL block
3. Using EXECUTE IMMEDIATE, inside a Begin SQL - End SQL block

NOTE: All commands under the 4D Language SQL theme are not SQL commands, rather, they are 4D commands that facilitate the use of SQL in 4D.

As an example, consider the Begin SQL - End SQL code blocl below...

Begin SQL     USE DATABASE DATAFILE :Path_T;     SQLStmt_T:="SELECT COUNT(1) FROM Tapes WHERE Artist LIKE ?" ///Syntax Error     SQL SET PARAMETER(Artist;SQL Param In)     SQL EXECUTE(SQLStmt;$ArtistNo)     SQL LOAD RECORD(-1)     SQL CANCEL LOAD End SQL

Using method #1, the code would look like this:

Begin SQL     USE DATABASE DATAFILE :Path_T;     SELECT COUNT(1) FROM Tapes WHERE Artist LIKE :Artist; End SQL

Using method #2, the code would look like this:

SQLStmt_T:="USE DATABASE DATAFILE :Path;SELECT COUNT(1) FROM Tapes WHERE Artist LIKE ?;" SQL SET PARAMETER(Artist;SQL Param In) SQL EXECUTE(SQLStmt_T;$ArtistNo) SQL LOAD RECORD(-1) SQL CANCEL LOAD

Using method #3, the code would look like this:

SQLStmt_T:="SELECT COUNT(1) FROM Tapes WHERE Artist LIKE :Artist;"

Begin SQL     USE DATABASE DATAFILE :Path_T;     EXECUTE IMMEDIATE :SQLStmt_T; End SQL