>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.

Paul,
While you can't do it with variables (as others have posted), you can do it with properties using an Assign method. In the Assign method, check the incoming assignment to see if it adheres to your data type. If it does, assign the new value. If not, disregard it or throw an error.

See VFP Help for more information on _Assign methods.

HTH.