Anytype

 

The anytype data type is a placeholder for any data type. Variables of type should only be used as arguments and return values.

If anytype is used as a variable, you must assign a value to it before it can be used or you will get a run-time error. After you have assigned a value to it, you cannot convert it to another data type.

Range

The range of an anytype variable depends on the value first assigned to it. For example, if an integer is assigned, the range of the variable will then be [-2.147.483.647 ; 2.147.483.647].

Declaring anytype Variables

anytype declaration	=	anytype Variable { , Variable } ;
variable	=	identifier [ option ]
option	=	arrayoptions | initialization

Automatic Conversions

The anytype data types can be automatically converted to dates, enums, integers, reals, strings, guids, int64s, extended data types (records), classes, and containers by assigning a value to the type. For example:

X++

anytype a;

;

a = "text";  // Assigns a string literal

However, after you have converted the anytype data type, you cannot then change it to another data type.

Using anytype Variables

You can use anytype variables in expressions. You can also use them in the same way that you can use the data type that you convert them to. For example, if you assign an integer, you can then apply relational and arithmetic operators to the variable.

However, anytype is usually used as arguments and return types. For example:

X++

public static str range(anytype _from, anytype _to)

{

    return queryValue(_from) + '..' + queryValue(_to);

}

and

X++

void put(int position, anytype data)

{

    record = conpoke(record, position, data);

}

Overview of anytype Variables

Keyword	anytype
Size	Depends on conversion type
Scope of data type	Depends on conversion type
Default value	Depends on conversion type
Implicit conversions	Automatically converted to dates, enums, integers, reals, strings, extended data types (records), classes, and containers
Explicit conversions	any2date, any2enum, any2int, any2real, any2str