Informix Error -9855: Improper value used for purpose purpose_name for access method.

Cause and resolution

Improper value used for purpose purpose_name for access method.

A purpose has been used with an improper value in a CREATE ACCESS_METHOD or ALTER ACCESS_METHOD statement. For example, an integer cannot be used for AM_SPTYPE. Use the proper type of value for the purpose.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-9855 fires when a purpose in a CREATE/ALTER ACCESS_METHOD statement is assigned an improper value — per the official guidance.

A value of the wrong type assigned to a purpose, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause; for example, an integer can't be used for AM_SPTYPE.

Solutions / Resolution

Use the proper type of value for the purpose, per the official guidance.

Examples

An improper value for AM_SPTYPE

CREATE PRIMARY ACCESS_METHOD my_am (am_sptype = 5, ...);   -- -9855: expects a character code

Corrected

CREATE PRIMARY ACCESS_METHOD my_am (am_sptype = 'B', ...);

Diagnostic Checks

Check each purpose's assigned value against its expected type, and correct any mismatch.

Related Errors / Related Topics

-9852 — "Improper purpose purpose_name used for access method." The related purpose- validity error, on the purpose's name/combination rather than its assigned value.

An access-method purpose was assigned a value of the wrong type — use the proper value type.