Jim,

>Static variables are usefull when subsequent calls to a routine should retain the variables previous value.

Well, I know this, BUT......
Can you describe a practical situation where we definitely need static variables? The situation in your example can be rewritten without static memvars.

Object: ParenCnt
Methods: RESET and DISPLAY COUNT
Protected / Hidden properties: snOpen, snClose

With the come of OOP in VFP we can use properties of objects which behave like static memvars.

I think that allowing static variables *can* lead to poor OOP design. I cannot think of any situation where I definitely need them.

Walter,