>>>Situation: datbase='1VS', set exact =off
>>>
>>>in my form I test for [if datbase='1'] and it is .F. but I susp and test it manually at the command prompt and it evaluates to .T. .
>>>How can this be possible? I now have to say [[if datbase='1VS'] instead.
>>
>>To make your code SET EXACT independent you can just use LEFT function
>>

IF <b>LEFT</b>(datbase,1)='1'

>
>But I shouldn't have to do this. I can't trust the exact setting any more?
>This is ODD behavior to sya the least.

You don't have to if you sure that SET EXACT is OFF. My point is, that code above will work properly with any of SET EXACT settins.