The syntax to access properties and methods is similar to the syntax to access widget attributes and methods. However, where widget references use widget handles, COM object references use component handles. Component handles support an extended syntax that allows you to:

  • Chain component handle references to properties and methods
  • Specify indexes on properties
  • Specify mappings between ABL data types and COM data types for method output parameters and property settings
  • Specify additional options for method parameters and return values

The syntax diagrams that follow describe the syntax for method and property references. These diagrams are equivalent to the syntax presented in the ABL Reference, but describe method and property references in a more top-down fashion. (See the information on attributes and methods in ABL Reference.)

Note: All COM object errors are translated to ABL errors. To suppress any error messages generated by a COM object method or property reference, you can specify the NO-ERROR option in any statement that includes the method or property reference.