Because 32 bit OS will work in Long integers, so in any 32 bit system it
will convert 16 bit variables into 32 bit, and the convert back when
returning the result. Thus it is more efficient to use long explicitly

--

HTH

Bob Phillips
... looking out across Poole Harbour to the Purbecks
(remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct)

"Shatin" wrote in message
om...
Alan and Rob, many thanks for your replies.

A newbie question: How come everyone here almost always declares i as
long and seldom as integer even when i is a small number?