Errors

See also: compiling and debugging, err, #err.

Compile-time errors

Compile-time errors are generated when compiling macros that contain syntax errors. Macros are compiled before they start, and don't start if there are syntax errors. The first syntax error is displayed in the QM output like "Error in Macro: error description". Compile-time errors are not generated in exe, because in exe the macro is already compiled.

Some compile-time errors and possible reasons:

• unknown identifier: 1. Forgot to declare some variable, dll function or other identifier. Declaration must go before usage. If the identifier is declared in just imported macro list file or just added shared file, run that function or restart QM. 2. Character case mismatch (QM macro language is case sensitive). 3. Forgot to enclose in quotes a string argument (window title, file path, etc). 4. The macro author is not you, and he/she uses a newer QM version than you. Upgrade QM.
• unexpected identifier: This type of identifier cannot be used here.
• unexpected character: 1. Names of variables and other identifiers must consist of alphanumeric characters and underscore, and cannot begin with a digit. 2. Incorrect syntax.
• missing parts: Forgot some argument (parts) of the command.
• too many parts: 1. Forgot to enclose in parentheses function argument which is expression with operators and contains spaces or is quite complex. 2. Forgot to enclose in quotes string argument. 3. Forgot semicolon after statement that is followed by more statements in the same line.
• missing ( after function name, or ; after statement: 1. The same reasons as above. 2. The ( must immediately follow function name.
• else without if: indentation (number of tabs) of else must match indentation of associated if.
• case without sel: indentation (number of tabs) of case must be one more than indentation of associated sel.
• expected numeric (or string) expression: 1. Used string where there must be numeric value, or vice versa. 2. Forgot some argument.
• expected int, integer constant, etc: Similar reasons as above.
• expected int*, etc: Function expects address of variable (e.g., Function(&var), but not Function(var) ). Variable type also must match expected. For type casting, use operator +.
• ... already exists or is declared: 1. An attempt to declare a variable or other identifier while it is already somewhere declared differently. 2. An attempt to declare a local variable more than once in the same function.
• expected x (to y) arguments ...: Forgot some arguments. When calling an user-defined or dll function, the number of arguments must match the number of arguments in function's declaration (function or dll statement), unless dll function declared without arguments.
• syntax: other error.
• Exception while compiling: internal compiler error. Try to restart QM.
• If a function argument is quite complex expression (e.g., a.r[i].right-a.r[i].left ), enclose it in parentheses.
• If compiler reports false error (possibly a bug), try to restart QM.

Run-time errors

Run-time errors are generated while macro is executed. By default, on a run-time error the macro ends. In the QM output is displayed error description, like "Error (RT) in Macro: error description".

There are three groups of run-time errors:

1. Errors that are generated by QM ("Window not found", "File not found", etc). Such errors can be handled with the err statement. There are also several fatal errors that cannot be handled, such as a noncompiled function containing syntax errors.

2. Errors that are generated using the end statement. Such errors can be handled with the err statement.

3. Exceptions (errors generated by the operating system or components). In most cases it is result of incorrect programming (invalid pointer, division by 0, endless recursion, etc). Exceptions can by handled with the err statement, but you should avoid them if possible.

Some run-time errors and possible reasons:

• Window not found: 1. Window name must match case. 2. Window is hidden: use opt hidden 1 before, or use class name. 3. Part of window name (e.g., document name) now is different than when recording. Use partial name.
• Menu item or button not found: 1. Underlined characters must be preceded by &. To view underlined characters, expand menu with the keyboard (Alt+...). 2. Nonstandard menu. 3. If button class name does not have "Button" or "Btn", don't use but name [window], but instead use id or child function. 4. Button cannot be found by text because has "owner-draw" style. Try function id, or child(x y), or scan.
• 0x80020003, Member not found (with accessible objects): 1. The accessible object does not support this feature. 2. Window is inactive. Use act to activate window.
• Often reason of run-time error (e.g., "Child window not found") is that macro that communicates with other application runs too fast. Insert the wait command or change macro speed (spe).