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Setting Primary Index

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    Setting Primary Index

    I haven't had to do this in a long time, but I remember earlier versions of Alpha (maybe it was even A4) where after defining indexes for a table you could choose to set the primary index from that dialog by highlighting an index and selecting "Set as Primary." That doesn't seem to be the case any more.

    Am I missing something? How do you set a primary index for a table.
    "There comes a point in every project where it becomes necessary to shoot the engineers and begin production."

    #2
    Re: Setting Primary Index

    Originally posted by Juror58 View Post
    Am I missing something? How do you set a primary index for a table.
    A primary index is not needed on forms, browses or reports, because each of those have a way to set the primary key.

    In the Properties menu of the form or browse, you can set a filter and an order expression. You can also do an "ad hoc" query on any field on a form or browse by right-clicking on the field and choosing a sort option. When you click on "Find" the field you chose will provide the key.
    Ed Merritt
    UniversalWorkshop.com

    Listen; there's a hell of a good universe next door: let's go.
    e.e. cummings



    Comment


      #3
      Re: Setting Primary Index

      Thanks, Ed.

      I knew it was easy, but like I said, its bee quite a while since I set up a decent sized database.
      "There comes a point in every project where it becomes necessary to shoot the engineers and begin production."

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Setting Primary Index

        And I remember when reopening a table caused the last used index to be in place instead of being in record number order, so there was no need to choose a meaningful working index each time. Maybe in v.10?

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Setting Primary Index

          Setting an index can be done through creation of Xbasic code. The DOS versions had the capability of running a script to set the index too, but in the later versions, it's a bit more polished procedure than the DOS version.

          If changing indexes is routinely needed, creating a button on a form with multiple choices would be the solution.

          Xbasic can often make a non-code guy's eyes water but the help file has many examples. If someone needs help with Xbasic, post a message on here and one of the Alphaholics that hang out here will be ready to assist. They've helped me on several occasions.
          Ed Merritt
          UniversalWorkshop.com

          Listen; there's a hell of a good universe next door: let's go.
          e.e. cummings



          Comment


            #6
            Re: Setting Primary Index

            Originally posted by Ed Merritt View Post
            A primary index is not needed on forms, browses or reports, because each of those have a way to set the primary key.

            In the Properties menu of the form or browse, you can set a filter and an order expression. You can also do an "ad hoc" query on any field on a form or browse by right-clicking on the field and choosing a sort option. When you click on "Find" the field you chose will provide the key.
            This doesn't work does it - saving order expression in a browse properties?

            When I set a sort expression in a browse it doesn't save. I'm new to A5 and really not sure about this but the entries I make are not saving. Is it a known bug? Is there also another way to set a (primary) sort order on a browse?

            Your help gratefully received.

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Setting Primary Index

              Burtnco- There's a long thread on this- Alpha changed the indexing in the default browse such that it always returns to record-number after you close in A9. Said they did that because it was causing confusion?. Now you have to go into the browse layout properties, checkmark a box to retain the last query, and create a custom browse. So much for ease of use and keeping your databases slim. Since I don't need the new features in V9 or 10, I'm staying with V8.

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Setting Primary Index

                Kazu, in your browse, go into Browse Properties (in design mode) and under Filter/Order - Order Expression, enter the field name you wish to view by.

                You can also set a new sort by highlighting a field in any column, then pressing Ctrl-A for ascending sort, Ctrl-Z for descending. Couldn't be easier.
                Ed Merritt
                UniversalWorkshop.com

                Listen; there's a hell of a good universe next door: let's go.
                e.e. cummings



                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Setting Primary Index

                  Originally posted by robert View Post
                  Burtnco- There's a long thread on this- Alpha changed the indexing in the default browse such that it always returns to record-number after you close in A9. Said they did that because it was causing confusion?. Now you have to go into the browse layout properties, checkmark a box to retain the last query, and create a custom browse. So much for ease of use and keeping your databases slim. Since I don't need the new features in V9 or 10, I'm staying with V8.
                  Thank you for responding. Actually I've asked for a refund of my V9 payment. I'll go back to Access. There are so many things wrong with Alpha 5 I don't have time to struggle like this.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: Setting Primary Index

                    Originally posted by Ed Merritt View Post
                    Kazu, in your browse, go into Browse Properties (in design mode) and under Filter/Order - Order Expression, enter the field name you wish to view by.

                    You can also set a new sort by highlighting a field in any column, then pressing Ctrl-A for ascending sort, Ctrl-Z for descending. Couldn't be easier.
                    Dear Ed

                    Thank you for taking the time to respond. I'm asking for a refund of my V9 money.

                    I wish to sort by multiple fields. This doesn't save, as I said.

                    I'm going to go back to using Access.

                    Thanks again.

                    Kazu

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