Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

[Chuck Bytes]

I want to figure this out, but I can't find a How To reference in any documentation for this specific function.

Is there a document reference that someone can point to where I could learn how to work with Variables in a filter on the fly

Example;
When user opens a form, an interactive window will pop up asking what their name is and what region they wanted to view.

The user will be asked for 4 or 5 pieces of data.
Name
Region
Job Number
Address

The user will fill out maybe 2 of those 5 variables and answer
Name = Joh
Region = Tor
Job Number = 123
Address = *


Now the form will open and only display records with the following data

Name = John, Johnny, Johnathan
Region = Toronto, Northertoram,
Job Number = ONTO123. MTL1230, PQO9123

If I want to change any of these crieteria, I would need to bring up a samll interface that will allow changing the contents then the filter would be rerun.


I have created queries in the Operations menu that satisfy this description and they work great by using the 'Contains' function, but I will never be able to create every instance of combinations that can be used.

[MikeC]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

Chuck,
There is more than one way to do as you seem to be wanting....

First, to help us decide on which to present to you as a possible, tell us the context this will be in...are the filters chosen from a logical on a browse, a form logical or field entry, an xdialog listbox/checkbox, ??

Once we know the context of where the filters are to be chosen and which method you want to use, then suggestions/solutions should be forthcoming!! :)

[Mike Wilson]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

This would be with one of the 4 being blank. If you want to cover all possibilities, go for it. I have never been able to make a filter expression using "contains" with both the value and the field name being a variable.

dim vName as C="Joh"
dim vRegion as C = "Tor"
dim vJob_no as C="123"
dim vAddr as C =""

if vaddr=""
	vfilter= s_quote(vname)+" $ name .and. " + s_quote(vregion) + " $ region .and. "+s_quote(vjob) +" $ job"
else if vjob=""
	vfilter= s_quote(vname)+" $ name .and. " + s_quote(vregion) + " $ region .and. "+s_quote(vaddr) +" $ address"
else if vregion=""
	vfilter= s_quote(vname)+" $ name .and. " + s_quote(vaddr) + " $ address .and. "+s_quote(vjob) +" $ job"
else if vname=""
	vfilter= s_quote(addr)+" $ address .and. " + s_quote(vregion) + " $ region .and. "+s_quote(vjob) +" $ job"
end if

[Chuck Bytes]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

The origin of lookup would be done at the form level. I tried some of the default functions that come with Alpha such as 'query by form', but user has to type in the entire correct value and only the first record appears. I would like to sustain all records in the results so that the user only works with his/her records.

Thank you for this example, I understand it to a degree, but I'm not sure how to apply it to the interface screen I'm trying to create

I most likely didn't ask the question correctly.

I really appreciate the help guys.
Here is a pictorial of what I'm trying to achieve

Currently I have a form with a button that opens saved queries. The problem with saved queries is that I'll never be able to capture every combination of instances.

I would like to click a button and an interface screen pops up asking user to populate 1 or all 4 fields with partial or full data. Then when executing, the results would filter the records to only disply result of the query. Then even when navigating through the records of that form, only those results would be visible.

[Chuck Bytes]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

I was thinking, is it possible to set the variables before opening the form. Then the form itself can have a filter on it that will only pull up records that satisfy that variable.

For instance,
Just before the user opens the form, an interactive screen could ask them their name, then the only records shown in the form will pertain to that user.

1 - open the form and a question will ask their name

What is your name = "Bruce"

left(PM_Name,len("Variable"))="Bruce"

The only thing I don't know is how to set the value of the variable before opening the form.

[MikeC]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

Chuck,
There are so many ways to do what you are wanting and that is probably the reason why you are getting a bit overwhelmed.

Your last question is one possible and can be done exclusively in Action Scripting (AS). When using AS to open a form/browse there is an option to "Prompt for parameters at runtime"----using the Filter tab in the genie that appears and click on the plus sign will bring up what you need.

Using variables.....you can set variables from say an additional form or an xdialog that is brought up prior to the form you wish to open filtered....make the variables shared at least. Again, it can be all done using AS.

[Chuck Bytes]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

Yes, Perfect, I was thinking along the same lines of what you just suggested. As a novice I depend on the Genie, I look for it providing interactive solutions
Let me work through your suggestions and I will let you know how it turned out..

You're so right about "Overwhlemed"
Sometimes I have to step away and try to approach from another perspective. That's where these forum inputs really help.

[Chuck Bytes]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

YES ! thanks Mike that concept worked great.

However now I'd like to ask where that parameter is stored. When the user specified a value during the prompt, was that value stored somewhere. I want to refrence it for another function.

I also have a �Drop Down Browse� field in the form.
That field has its own filter expression and shows all records, now I�m trying to set the value of the filter to equal the same value the user inputted when opening the form.

What can I reference in the 'Drop Down Browse' filter so that it will relate to that same entry specified when the form was opened.

[MikeC]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

Chuck,
If you used the prompt at Runtime way to filter your form, the variable is local and cannot be dimmed any other way with AS.....but if you convert it to inline xbasic, you can dimension it as shared which then allows the variable to be used on the form you want.....if it doesn't, then try global but don't think it is necessary to do so given what you have said.

[Chuck Bytes]

Re: Working with Filters using Variables on the fly

I see the error of my ways,
I was hoping to filter the Drop Down Browse in the form with the variable defined at the opening however, the drop down browse does not work on the same filter because the filter is defined at a child table level.

The way my users navigate through records is to use the Drop Down Browse. I wanted to only show the records that pertain to their names but looks like I can't do it with the opening parameter. The drop down browse shows all records.

I'll keep working it, I know Alpha provides a way, there has not been anything I couldnt' accomplish so far.