Static arrays

Static arrays have a predefined and limited size.

Defining static arrays

Static arrays can store a one-, two- or three-dimensional array of variables, all of the same type. An array member can be any type except another array (ARRAY ... OF ARRAY).

MAIN
  DEFINE custlist ARRAY[100] OF RECORD
             id INTEGER,
             name VARCHAR(50)
         END RECORD
  LET custlist[50].id = 12456
  LET custlist[50].name = "Beerlington"
END MAIN

Static array starting index

The first element in a static array is at index position 1:

DISPLAY arr[1].name

Multi-dimentional static arrays

The multi-dimensional array syntax (ARRAY[i[,j[,k]]]) specifies static arrays defined with an explicit size for all dimensions. Static arrays have a size limit. The biggest static array size you can define is 65535.

A single array element can be referenced by specifying its coordinates in each dimension of the array.

Avoid using large static arrays; All elements of static arrays are allocated and initialized when the program starts, even if the array is not used.

MAIN
  DEFINE a1 ARRAY[100] OF INTEGER
  LET a1[50] = 12456
  LET a1[5000] = 12456  -- Runtime error!
END MAIN

Element types

The elements of a static array variable can be defined as a structured record:

MAIN
  DEFINE arr ARRAY[50] OF RECORD
               key INTEGER,
               name CHAR(10),
               address VARCHAR(200),
               contacts ARRAY[50] OF VARCHAR(20)
       END RECORD
  LET arr[1].key = 12456
  LET arr[1].name = "Scott"
  LET arr[1].contacts[1] = "Bryan COX"
  LET arr[1].contacts[2] = "Mike FLOWER"
END MAIN

Passing static arrays to functions

Static arrays are passed by value to functions. This is not recommended, as all array members will be copied on the stack.

A static array cannot be returned from a function.

Consider using dynamic arrays if you need to pass/return a list of elements to/from functions.

Using array methods

Array methods can be used on static arrays; however, these methods are designed for dynamic arrays and are not appropriate for static arrays.