Informix Error -4493: Named parameters are allowed only for formal functions/reports.

Reasons / Common Causes

-4493 fires when a call uses named parameters against a function/report declared with the informal style — per the official guidance, the informal style specifies only names in the parameter list, with types given in subsequent subsidiary declarations, and doesn't support named-parameter calls.

1. A call using named parameters against an informally-declared function/report, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

1. Declare the function/report formally (with a full prototype) if named-parameter calls are needed, or
2. Call it positionally instead of by name.

Examples

Named-parameter call against an informal declaration

FUNCTION save(id)
  DEFINE id INTEGER
END FUNCTION

CALL save(id: 1001)
-- -4493: save() is declared informally

Corrected

FUNCTION save(id INTEGER) RETURNING INTEGER
  ...
END FUNCTION

CALL save(id: 1001)

Diagnostic Checks

1. Check whether the called function/report is declared formally or informally, and either switch to a formal declaration or call it positionally.

Related Errors / Related Topics

• -4111 — "Warning: The function name is declared informally. For stronger type checking, use a function defined formally." A related informal-declaration warning covering the same underlying informal/formal distinction.
• -4494 — "Missing named parameter "name" does not have default value." A related named-parameter error, about a missing required parameter in a formal call.
• -4495 — "Duplicate or invalid parameter name." A related named-parameter error, about the parameter name itself being wrong rather than the function being informally declared.

Named parameters were used to call an informally-declared function/report — declare it formally, or call it positionally.