Informix Error -16386: Search string exceeds maximum length.
Cause and resolution
Search string exceeds maximum length.
The maximum length of a search pattern specification whose first character is a quote (") is 80 characters. The maximum length is 50 after any other first character. Check if you unintentionally pressed a Search command key (? or /). Repeat the Search command, but specify a shorter pattern.
Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance
Reasons / Common Causes
-16386 fires when a search pattern exceeds its length limit — per the official guidance: 80
characters if the pattern starts with a quote ("), 50 characters otherwise.
- A search pattern longer than the applicable limit, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.
- An accidental Search command key (
?or/) press, per the official guidance — a noted possible cause worth checking.
Solutions / Resolution
- Repeat the Search command with a shorter pattern, per the official guidance.
- Check whether a Search key was pressed unintentionally, per the official guidance.
Examples
N/A
No specific triggering statement is documented beyond an over-long search pattern.
Diagnostic Checks
- Check the search pattern's length against the 80/50-character limit (depending on whether it starts with a quote).
Related Errors / Related Topics
- -16307 — "Quoted string is too long." A related length-restriction error, on quoted strings generally (256 characters) rather than search patterns specifically.
A search pattern exceeds its length limit (80 quoted, 50 otherwise) — shorten it.