How to release object when I "Call getQuerydefFunction"

I try to release variables after I use them.

So, I coded something as follows  (this is greatly simplified)

Code #1
  sub ChangeQueryDef(qname as string, sql as string)
    dim getChangeQueryDef as querydef
    set getChangeQueryDef = currentdb.querydefs("myname")
    .... getChangeQueryDef = sqlname
    set getChangeQueryDef = nothing
  end sub

But, I want to change the subroutine to so that it can sometimes be called as a function.
 
Code #2
  sub getChangeQueryDef(qname as string, sql as string) as querydef
    set getChangeQueryDef = currentdb.querydefs("myname")
    .... getChangeQueryDef = sqlname
    set getChangeQueryDef = nothing
  end sub

So, here is how I could use the routine and be sure the querydef variable gets de-allocated.

Code #3
   set qdf =  getChangeQueryDef("qGeneric", "select * from table")

   ... do stuff with qdf

   set qdf = nothing


But, what happense if I simnply call the routine?  My theory is the the variable does not need to be de-allocated.
But, I know that Access and Excel both sometimes create hidden variables that don't get deallocated until the application is closed.

I wonder if the following code might have that problem

Code #4
    call  getChangeQueryDef("qGeneric", "select * from table")
LVL 5
rberkeConsultantAsked:
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ioanePlanning & Analytics ManagerCommented:
I think you're over complicating the issue.

Variables are localised to the function they are in. Once the function ends, the variables are automatically removed.

Actually setting an object variable to nothing before ending a function is really just for peace of mind and habit than necessity.

Your code#2 has issues, i.e. defined as sub but trying to return a value.

As long as you correct code#2, code#3 will work fine. No problem with variables.
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DatabaseMX (Joe Anderson - Microsoft Access MVP)Database Architect / Systems AnalystCommented:
How about this - using a Function, which will return a value - querydef in this case


Public Function getChangeQueryDef(qname as string, sql as string) as QueryDef
    set getChangeQueryDef = currentdb.querydefs(qname )

End Function

"But, I know that Access and Excel both sometimes create hidden variables that don't get deallocated until the application is closed."

Well, if Access is doing this, it's nothing you have to worry about.

mx
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rberkeConsultantAuthor Commented:
"Once the function ends, the variables are automatically removed."

Yes, that is true WHEN YOU DEFINE A VARIABLE.

But, in the attached code, sub Test1  does not define a variable.  
I have discovered in Excel sometimes generates its own internal variables that don't get deallocated.
For instance, I once discovered that vba creating new instances of Excel were still showing in task manager even after I closed my Excel program.  I traced it to a code that said "debug.print cells.address". Excel noticed that I did not supply an Application object.  Excel generated a module level variable, and used it.  When my subroutine exited, that variable was not deallocated causing the excle instance to hang.

I got to run now, but I will give more details tomorrow. 

sub test1()
call  getChangeQueryDef("qGeneric", "select * from table")
end sub

Public Function getChangeQueryDef(qname as string, sql as string) as QueryDef
    set getChangeQueryDef = currentdb.querydefs(qname )

End Function

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rberkeConsultantAuthor Commented:
I am afraid I did not state this question clearly, and I will not have time to clean it up for at least a week, maybe more.

So, I am awarding points mainly to reward effort from the experts that commented.

I will eventually resubmit a clarified question. At that time I will crosslink a comment here.

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DatabaseMX (Joe Anderson - Microsoft Access MVP)Database Architect / Systems AnalystCommented:
ok ... thx
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ioanePlanning & Analytics ManagerCommented:
Cheers.
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