The ANSI SQL (-Q) startup parameter allows you to redefine the semicolon as a terminator. This startup parameter enforces strict ANSI SQL conformance and allows you to terminate SQL statements with a semicolon. The ANSI SQL (-Q) parameter allows OpenEdge to run standard SQL statements and scripts built with other products.

The ANSI SQL (-Q) parameter disables the use of the semicolon within UNIX escapes.

UNIX SMBL=foo; export SMBL

As a general rule, use the period (.) as a terminator for ABL statements even when you specify the ANSI SQL (-Q) parameter for an ABL session.