>From a technical standpoint, how could calling an external function possibly be faster than using a function directly available to the form? Does anyone know how VFP compiles these two types of functions?
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I think it has to do with inheritance and sequential searching. I hope I don't sound too much like an idiot expaining this. :-) And of course, I could be wrong...but here goes..

An external function is loaded into memory and foxpro 'knows' where to find it. Whereas a method of an object is 'buried' within the object reference. Foxpro needs more time to 'find' the method before it can run, particularly if it's an inherited method. I also believe that this means that the two types of functions run closer, performance wise, in an execuatble, since at that point, both types are compiled. Maybe Todd could clarify that...

Someone correct me if I'm missing the boat.