Informix Error -2028: The symbol name does not represent a table prefix used in this form. It cannot be used here to select record elements.

Cause and resolution

The symbol name does not represent a table prefix used in this form. It cannot be used here to select record elements.

In a SCREEN RECORD statement, each component must be introduced by the name of the table as defined in the TABLES section or by the word FORMONLY. Review the spelling of the indicated name against the TABLES section, and check the punctuation of the rest of the statement.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-2028 fires when a SCREEN RECORD statement's component is prefixed with a name that isn't a table defined in the TABLES section (or the keyword FORMONLY) — per the official guidance, each component must be introduced by one of those two.

A misspelled table prefix, per the official guidance's suggested check — the direct, common cause.
A table used as a prefix without first being declared in the TABLES section.

Solutions / Resolution

Verify the spelling of the indicated name against your TABLES section, per the official guidance.
Check the punctuation of the remainder of the statement, per the official guidance, once the prefix itself is confirmed correct.

Examples

A prefix not declared in TABLES

TABLES
  orders

SCREEN RECORD s_order (
  order_id = orders.order_id,
  cust_name = customer.name  -- -2028: "customer" isn't declared in TABLES
)

Corrected

TABLES
  orders, customer

SCREEN RECORD s_order (
  order_id = orders.order_id,
  cust_name = customer.name
)

Diagnostic Checks

Check the named prefix's spelling against the TABLES section, and confirm the table is actually declared there (or that FORMONLY was intended instead).

Related Errors / Related Topics

No closely related error codes are cross-referenced for -2028 in this set yet.

The named prefix isn't a table declared in TABLES (or FORMONLY) — check spelling and declaration.