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Informix Error -16397: Can print only BLOB variables with program =.

Cause and resolution

Can print only BLOB variables with program =.

The PROGRAM = clause of the PRINT statement is used to specify an external program (for instance, a text editor) that can display the contents of a BYTE or TEXT value. The clause is not relevant with any other type of data.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-16397 fires when PRINT's PROGRAM = clause is used with a non-BLOB value — per the official guidance. PROGRAM = names an external program (e.g. a text editor) to display a BYTE/TEXT value's contents; it's not meaningful for other types.

  1. PROGRAM = used with a value that isn't BYTE/TEXT, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.
Solutions / Resolution
  1. Only use PROGRAM = with BYTE/TEXT variables, per the official guidance.
Examples
PROGRAM = used on a non-BLOB variable
> PRINT myint PROGRAM = "vi"
Corrected
> PRINT mytext PROGRAM = "vi"
Diagnostic Checks
  1. Check that the variable given to PRINT ... PROGRAM = is BYTE/TEXT.
Related Errors / Related Topics
  • -16396 — "Cannot use BLOBs in this expression." The mirror-image restriction, about TEXT/BYTE variables being disallowed in ordinary expressions rather than PROGRAM = requiring one.
  • -16399 — "No program name specified." A related PROGRAM = error, about the clause being present but missing its program name.

PROGRAM = was used with a non-BLOB variable — only use it with BYTE/TEXT variables.