Informix Error -4075: Simple string expressions must have type CHAR or VARCHAR.

Cause and resolution

Simple string expressions must have type CHAR or VARCHAR.

The compiler expected a string expression but found an expression that was neither CHAR nor VARCHAR data type.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-4075 fires when the compiler expects a simple string expression but finds one of a different data type — per the official guidance, only CHAR and VARCHAR qualify as simple string expressions in this context.

A non-CHAR/VARCHAR expression used where a simple string expression is required, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Use a CHAR or VARCHAR expression, converting the value first if needed.

Examples

A non-string expression where a string is required

DEFINE qty INTEGER
LET x = qty[1,2]
-- -4075: qty is INTEGER, not CHAR/VARCHAR

Corrected

LET x = qty USING "&&"

Diagnostic Checks

Check the data type of every expression used where a simple string is required, and convert it to CHAR/VARCHAR if it isn't already.

Related Errors / Related Topics

No closely related error codes are cross-referenced for -4075 in this set yet.

A non-CHAR/VARCHAR expression is used where a simple string expression is required — convert it first.