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Some newbie questions

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    #1

    Some newbie questions

    Hello,

    I'm currently evaluating Alpha 5 for a small project i'm working on ( 5 users, central mysql db) and have a few questions about putting the user interface together :

    - I've been looking at a way to have a Combobox display values from another table in a regular form, then insert te corresponding numerical value from that table in the layouts main table. I'd prefer not to work with a fixed list with the | separator.

    This combo box should display two fields.

    - Is there a way to have the datetime value in a date field created automatically (or as a default) when you create a new record?
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: Some newbie questions

    Frederik, in the table you could have a field called "Date_Entered" or "Date_Created" or some thing that makes sense for your project. Go to the field rules for that field and set the field to be calculated on the "Field Type" tab and then on the "Data Entry" tab set the Default to "Simple default expression" then in the "Default Value" you could use the system function Date() or Now() the alpha help file will give you information on the functions so you can decide which one is best for you.
    You can then decide what other features to turn on/off such as is the field required etc.

    Comment

      #3
      Re: Some newbie questions

      I use the NOW() function on the calculation and in the display format for the Date_Added field I use the expression below to display 18-Mar-10 02:48 pm
      time("dd-Mon-yy 0h:0m am",<value>)
      [email protected]
      Los Angeles, CA
      cell/home 323-663-4735

      Comment

        #4
        Re: Some newbie questions

        Found it. Works like a charm. I guess I wasn't expecting this setting in the Tables section. (Coming from FileMaker...)

        Anybody have an idea for the value lists? I guess I could make it with a looked up value list and just enter the data in the field but I'm trying to do the right thing here... :-)

        Comment

          #5
          Re: Some newbie questions

          Frederik, There are a number of ways to do the lookup list.

          At the table level you do it in the field rules (same area as the Date) there is a "Lookup" tab where you specify the "Table Lookup" you want to perform.

          You can also do it on a form where a field is defined as a table lookup and the selected value is assigned to the corresponding field in the table.

          If you go through the AlphaSports sample you will see the different ways they do a lookup. I know it can be confusing, I still do not get all the things they do, but it is there to research and learn from.

          After all experience is the best teacher, however a little help from those that have been down that road is priceless at times.

          Comment

            #6
            Re: Some newbie questions

            I've tried the first suggested approach, but when i define the pull down menu in my table, the menu is displayed on the first field of the table, not the one i want to use. It works as advertized, but on the wrong field :-)

            Also, it seems to me that these value lists can only be used once on a layout, which makes their use a bit limited.

            I've looked around in the forms of the AlphaSports sample, but I don't see any examples of a pull down box with the functionality i'm discribing. The only one i could find was related to search. It used some kind of CALC functionality. Anybody know how this would work?

            Comment

              #7
              Re: Some newbie questions

              Frederik, please clarify what you are seeing. Table lookup field rules are defined for a single field, but can be used to autofill related fields simultaneously. It sounds like you defined it for the "wrong field".

              Also, it seems to me that these value lists can only be used once on a layout, which makes their use a bit limited.
              Not sure what you're looking for, but the table lookup field rule feature is designed to permit the user to quickly select a value for a specific field, and then to autofill related fields simultaneously. Why do you find this limiting?

              Comment

                #8
                Re: Some newbie questions

                Originally posted by Tom Cone Jr View Post
                Not sure what you're looking for, but the table lookup field rule feature is designed to permit the user to quickly select a value for a specific field, and then to autofill related fields simultaneously. Why do you find this limiting?
                I didn't get the pull down menu allowed you to select the fields so I set the field option for the wrong field. I looked over it the first time. Works like a charm now. :)

                Another, more advanced question :

                I have a table with a datetime field. Whenever the field has passed a certain value, i want to generate a warning for the user. Most probably this will need to be done with XBasic?

                Comment

                  #9
                  Re: Some newbie questions

                  Frederik, the message board works best if each thread of messages is limited, more or less, to a single issue or question. This facilitates searches for related threads later on by other users. Why not begin a new thread with your next question? And, if you do, please provide more details and sample data. A specific example, coupled with an explanation of the sequence or context, will increase the probability you will receive a helpful response. -- tom

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