>Try to use form property or that purpose, so you can reference it like
thisform.prin_int_literal
In addition, you need to be sure abou scope of 'this' in you expression when it is calculated - just to know how many words 'parent.' include ;)
I don't this they're not defined, because when object created, all other (parent) objects should be created too.

just a topic off the main question - i get confused about when i can use thisform. the property prin_int_literal is a property of the form which contains a grid. in column11.init if i reference thisform.prin_int_literal i get an error. i do NOT get an error with this.parent.parent.prin_int_literal.

brenda