# Directives

DELETE OBJECT | Remove Object

## Format

DELETE OBJECT ext_id[,ERR=stmtref]
Where:

ext_id | Numeric variable to receive a handle (memory pointer to the external object).
stmtref | Program line number or statement label to which to transfer control.

#### Note:
The DROP OBJECT directive works the same as DELETE OBJECT.

## Description

The DELETE OBJECT directive is used to remove/disconnect associated external objects.

DROP OBJECT, DELETE OBJECT and the REF( ) function can all be used to delete an object. Only objects whose reference count is 1 can be deleted. Once an object is destroyed, its identifier may be reassigned to another object, although this is not recommended. All objects are destroyed when the application issues a START directive or if the END directive is entered at the Command mode.

REF(READ obj_id) returns the current reference count value. All calls to REF( ) return the current reference count (or 0 if deleted).

#### Note:
An external object is automatically destroyed when the window it was defined in is dropped.

## See Also

For information on the creation of an external object, see DEF OBJECT directive.

## Example

def object handle,@(2,2,70,16)="*BROWSER"
errcode=handle'Navigate2("www.pvxplus.com")
input *
delete object handle