Informix Error -16376: Break or trace name name does not begin with an alpha character.
Cause and resolution
Break or trace name name does not begin with an alpha character.
The first character in the name of a breakpoint or of a tracepoint must be a letter. The subsequent characters can be letters, numbers, or underscores ( _ ). Single apostrophes ( ' ) or double-quote characters ( " ) must enclose the name. Repeat the command, specifying a valid name enclosed in quotes.
Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance
Reasons / Common Causes
-16376 fires when a breakpoint/tracepoint name doesn't start with a letter — per the official guidance. The first character must be a letter; subsequent characters may be letters, numbers, or underscores, and the whole name must be quoted (single or double quotes).
- A breakpoint/tracepoint name not starting with a letter, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.
Solutions / Resolution
- Repeat the command, specifying a valid name enclosed in quotes, per the official guidance.
Examples
A breakpoint name starting with a digit
> BREAK '1mybrk' AT mymodule.10
Corrected
> BREAK 'mybrk1' AT mymodule.10
Diagnostic Checks
- Check the breakpoint/tracepoint name's first character, and confirm it's a letter.
Related Errors / Related Topics
- -16339 — "Break or trace name name is not unique." A related breakpoint/tracepoint- naming error, about a duplicate name rather than an invalid first character.
A breakpoint/tracepoint name doesn't start with a letter — quote a name that starts with a letter.