[VB6] Returning Objects with Public Functions (in Module)

[Sorc_Polgara]

I want to be able to return a TextStream object... I want to put it in a module and I want it to be like a Public Function.

I'm using a TextStream object frequently and repeating the same code over and I thought that I could make it function to save some time.

I've tried making a Public Function but I can't get it to work.  In order to make the TextStream object (tst) that I want, a FileSystemObject (fso) must be set.

Here is my code in the module

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Public Function CreateTST(ByVal FileName As String, ByVal IOMode As Long, ByVal Create As Boolean) As TextStream
   Dim fso As FileSystemObject
   Dim tst As TextStream
   
   Set fso = New FileSystemObject
   Set tst = fso.OpenTextFile(FileName, IOMode, Create)
   CreateTST = tst
End Function


It works fine when I insert the code into the Sub that I want it to be used in.

This is the call I make

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Dim tst As TextStream
tst = CreateTST(strFileName, 1, False)


the argument "1" in the function call is the numerical representation for constant ForReading which must be stated inorder to use OpenTextFile.

I think it should work!  but all I get is the "Run-time error '5':  Invalid Procedure call or argument"

Please help!  How can I return a TextStream/FileSystemObject!

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[Stealth]

Try returning it as a Variant into a TextStream object:

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Dim objTS as TextStream

objTS = CreateTST(myFilename, 1, True)

'// ...

Public Function CreateTST(ByVal FileName As String, ByVal IOMode As Long, ByVal Create As Boolean) As Variant

[Sorc_Polgara]

Try returning it as a Variant into a TextStream object:

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Dim objTS as TextStream

objTS = CreateTST(myFilename, 1, True)

'// ...

Public Function CreateTST(ByVal FileName As String, ByVal IOMode As Long, ByVal Create As Boolean) As Variant

I changed it, but I get a different run-time error, "Run-time error '438':  Object doesn't support this property or method"

Here is the code calling to the function...

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Dim tst1 As TextStream
tst1 = CreateTST(strFileName, 1, False)


... the function in the module

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Public Function CreateTST(ByVal FileName As String, ByVal IOMode As Long, ByVal Create As Boolean) As Variant
   Dim fso As FileSystemObject
   Dim tst As TextStream
   
   Set fso = New FileSystemObject
   Set tst = fso.OpenTextFile(FileName, IOMode, Create)
   CreateTST = tst
End Function


When I debug it the following is highlighted in the function above,

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CreateTST = tst


Is there another way to return an object like a FileSystemObject?

[Stealth]

Perhaps create it ahead of time and pass it ByRef?

[Adron]

You could also try adding "Set" like this:

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Set tst = CreateTST(strFileName, 1, False)


Your assignments without "Set" may be trying to assign to the default property.