I was hoping to use the RAISE EXCEPTION statement to define my own block of error numbers to return to calling applications. For example, using a different error number for each business rule violation applicable to our application.

It appears though informix only allows the use of -746 for this purpose. Not useful for calling application to be able to examine value and take specific action depending upon which business rule failed. They could compare the error text to string constants, however, this is ugly.

Am I missreading the Informix documents here or is this the way it is. I have attempted to use unused Informix error numbers, but, dont like this as they may use it in future (e.g. -11000). There is not a block of numbers set aside for developers.

BTW: I'm developing for IDS and SE.