Informix Error -4163

Reasons / Common Causes

-4163 fires when an intrinsic function is invoked directly — per the official guidance, classname::classname() constructors are invoked through NEW, classname::!copy() through the COPY operator, and classname::!derive() through the AS clause in NEW/COPY. Only NewEra returns this error.

1. A constructor called directly instead of through NEW, per the official guidance — the first named case.
2. !copy() called directly instead of through COPY, per the official guidance — the second named case.
3. !derive() called directly instead of through an AS clause, per the official guidance — the third named case.

Solutions / Resolution

1. Invoke the constructor via NEW, !copy() via COPY, and !derive() via AS, per the official guidance.

Examples

Calling !copy() directly

LET o2 = Order::!copy(o1)
-- -4163: !copy() must be invoked via the COPY operator

Corrected

LET o2 = COPY o1

Diagnostic Checks

1. Check every direct call to an intrinsic function, and replace it with the appropriate operator (NEW, COPY, or AS).

Related Errors / Related Topics

• -4151 — "Constructor cannot be called directly." A closely related error, specifically about constructors rather than the full set of intrinsic functions.

An intrinsic function is called directly — use NEW, COPY, or AS instead, per which intrinsic function it is.