Referring to a Column

Hello:

Suppose I wish to refer to a column. I have the alias in *text* form. What is the best way to access the column? By best, I mean a short, clear way that: 1) can be used in both reads or writes on the column and 2) is in-line: I do not want to have to define a variable with an expression and then use that in a later line.

I have the rather ugly evaluate(aliasasstr+".colname") which I have used for years on occasion. Now, I am modifying a report where I will have to use this sort of access more than a few times.

Am I overlooking something cleaner?

Sincerely,

Gene Wirchenko