The $STATIC Metacommand allows the creation of static (unresizable) arrays.

Syntax

{REM	’ } $STATIC

Description

• QBasic Metacommands require a REM or apostrophy (‘) before them and are normally placed at the start of the main module.
• Static arrays cannot be resized. If a variable is used to size any array, it becomes $DYNAMIC.
• A REDIM statement has no effect on $STATIC arrays except perhaps a ERROR Codes at the REDIM statement.
• The array’s type cannot be changed once DIM and a literal value sets the dimensions and element size.
• $STATIC defined program arrays cannot be REDIM or use _PRESERVE.

Example(s)

When a variable is used, the array can be resized despite $STATIC. The array becomes $DYNAMIC.

'$STATIC

INPUT "Enter array size: ", size
DIM array(size)   'using an actual number instead of the variable will create an error!

REDIM array(2 * size)

PRINT UBOUND(array) 

Note: DIM using a literal numerical size will create a Duplicate definition error.

See Also

• $DYNAMIC, STATIC
• Arrays, Metacommand