That is terrific ! thanks once again - exactly what I was looking for.

( there is always a steak dinner waiting for you in Cleveland <s> )



>Using CAST() function you can create almost any type of data from the proper string. Also T-SQL does have SPACE() function. Yor SELECT may look like this

>SELECT field1, CAST(Null AS datetime) as mydate, space(10) as mytextfield,
>       CAST(0 AS int), ...

>
>
>>Even for you that was impressively fast <g>
>>
>>I understand using CAST() for datatype conversions, but I am asking more how you create blank fields in a select statement.
>>
>>If I want a blank text field in VFP it is SPACE(n)
>>can't find an equivalent SQL function
>>
>>Or do I just say NULL as mytextfield ? I actually want to give it a length.
>>
>>And of course not having the ability to have a blank date is a bit confusing still
>>
>>
>>>It would be CAST() function which you'll be able to use in VFP9 as well. Just keep in mind that SQL Server doesn't support empty dates so you'll have to use Nulls.
>>>
>>>>I think the reason I'm having trouble finding this in my SQL books is I don't know what to call them.
>>>>
>>>>In VFP I could say
>>>>
>>>>SELECT field1, {} as mydate, guid() as myguid, space(10) as mytextfield
>>>>
>>>>etc.
>>>>
>>>>What are the SQL equivalents whenn writing remote view code? And what do you call these 'phoney fields' in a select statement ?
>>>>