Informix Error -22208: Host variables may not be USAGE INDEX.

Cause and resolution

Host variables may not be USAGE INDEX.

Change the USAGE clause for the host variable so that it is not USAGE IS INDEX and try again. IBM Informix ESQL/COBOL does not support USAGE INDEX.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-22208 fires when a host variable is declared USAGE IS INDEX — per the official guidance, IBM Informix ESQL/COBOL doesn't support USAGE INDEX for host variables.

A host variable declared USAGE IS INDEX, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Change the host variable's USAGE clause so it isn't USAGE IS INDEX, per the official guidance.

Examples

N/A

No specific triggering statement is documented beyond a host variable declared USAGE IS INDEX.

Diagnostic Checks

Check the flagged host variable's USAGE clause, and change it away from INDEX.

Related Errors / Related Topics

-22274 — "Host variables may not be USAGE POINTER." The same class of unsupported-USAGE restriction, for POINTER rather than INDEX.

A host variable was declared USAGE IS INDEX, which isn't supported — change its USAGE clause.