>Is it possible to force VFP to strictly type variables and properties...for instance I can do this:
>
>local xyz as number
>
>xyz=""
>
>and it retains the string. I have to say that I would rather it gave me an error, preferably at design time.

There is no strict typing in variable
i suggest that you adhere to a naming convention
to help you know the type of variable.

ie:
nXyz=25
cXyz="abc"
lXyz=.T.
dXyz={^2001/05/24}
...

HTH :-)