Preventing Endless-Loops

_**NO UI**._ Function that takes parameters from my UI, and returns a result that my UI will process. **_NO UI Objective_ (VB.net, CLR2) Process merge "tokens" and their associated replacment text (which can also contain more merge "tokens") to avoid creating an "endless (recursive) loop". ****_Task_: **1. To loop through a datatable where each datarow has a single **{Token}** in one column, and associated replacement text in another column which text may **itself** contain one or more additional **{Token}**(s). 2. To detect any recursive "endless-loops" and identify the **{Token}**(s) (the optimal one, if possible, so that the majority of what the user wants to accomplish remains intact, if it is possible to identify the "key" offending **{Token}** that needs to be removed to rectify the problem.) [added 12-16-2006] I have attached a demo. I made a mistake in the original Request for Bid. The revised task is to evaluate a merge **OPERATION**, not only the merge **{Token}**(s) in a list. I realized as I did my demo that a **{Token},** in and of itself MAY be inherently recursive, and this CAN be evaluated from the **{Token}** list, and the problems identified. However, it is the **{Token} COMBINATION** in a block of "text-to-be-merged" that determines if the particular OPERATION will prove to be recursive. So, both checks are necessary at the time the user is creating the text-to-be-merged and/or editing the **{Token}**. Inclusion or exclusion of a particular **{Token}**, or modifications to a **{Token}** can change whether the COMBINATION is recursive or not, as I now understand. ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform VB.net, CLR2, VS2005