Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

[KDR]

Is this possible?

I'm looking to take a First_Name field and a Middle_Names field, then separate them into a list that can then be used in a combo box for the user to select (or type in) the name the person goes by (type in would be used in case of a nick name). The selection or typed in name would then be stored in the Name_Called field.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

--Kevin

[KDR]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Oh, and do note that the Middle_Names field can have multiple names. (For instance, I know someone whose first name is Charles, but his middle names are "Arthur Patrick". And he goes by "Chuck" to everyone he knows.)

[glenschild]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Hi Kevin

Probably the simplest way of achieving this would be to have a separate field called "known_as" or something similar. There are so many variables at play with several people I know who go by a completely different name altogether! Your own example of Chuck confirms this!

Regards

Glen

[KDR]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Glen,

That's the idea. What I'm trying to do is present the user with some choices using data that has already been entered -- the fewer the keystrokes, the fewer the mistakes. And fewer keystrokes make for happier users, too.

--Kevin

[KDR]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Just to be perfectly clear here, let's assume that the following has been entered:

Last_name: Jones
First_name: Charles
Middle_names: Arthur Patrick

I'd like the input for the Name_called field to be a Combo box, and the items in the selection list to be:
Charles
Arthur
Patrick

The user can select one of those names or type in a nickname such as "Chuck". Is this possible?

[MikeC]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Kevin,
You should be able to generate the crlf list from this code at some point prior to using the combo box---which can be based upon a crlf list as an option.
From the interactive window

dim First_name as c="Charles"
dim Middle_names as c="Arthur Patrick"
dim x as n=1
dim choices as c=""
for i=1 to 3 'or however many would ever be the maximum
if word(Middle_names,x)<>""
  choices=word(Middle_names,x)+crlf()+choices
  x=x+1
end if
 next
choices=First_name+crlf()+choices

?choices
= Charles
Patrick
Arthur

choices is now a crlf list of names.

[KDR]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Thank you, Mike. I'll give that one a go as soon as I can. Looks like it should do what I need with very minimal tweaking. I'll probably put it on the Depart event of the Middle_names field.

[KDR]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Kevin,
You should be able to generate the crlf list from this code at some point prior to using the combo box---which can be based upon a crlf list as an option.
From the interactive window

dim First_name as c="Charles"
dim Middle_names as c="Arthur Patrick"
dim x as n=1
dim choices as c=""
for i=1 to 3 'or however many would ever be the maximum
if word(Middle_names,x)<>""
  choices=word(Middle_names,x)+crlf()+choices
  x=x+1
end if
 next
choices=First_name+crlf()+choices

?choices
= Charles
Patrick
Arthur

choices is now a crlf list of names.

Mike,

Before I start messing with this, I see the variable x DIM'd and used, but I also see

for i=1 to 3

Should that i be an x or can x be done away with altogether?

[Tim Kiebert]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Kevin, I think Mike probably has hit the hay so I will jump in.

Yes, i think you are correct. Mike has two counters. x is being used to indicate which word in the word function but 'i' could be used instead and so the x could be done away with. eg:

dim First_name as c="Charles"
dim Middle_names as c="Arthur Patrick"

dim choices as c=""
for i=1 to 3 'or however many would ever be the maximum
if word(Middle_names,i)<>""
  choices=word(Middle_names,i)+crlf()+choices
end if
 next
choices=First_name+crlf()+choices

Here is another method without a loop

dim First_name as c="Charles"
dim Middle_names as c="Arthur Patrick"

dim choices as c=""

choices=First_name + crlf() + strtran(Middle_names," ",crlf())

[MikeC]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Thanks Tim,

Kevin, I think Mike probably has hit the hay so I will jump in.

Yes, i think you are correct. Mike has two counters. x is being used to indicate which word in the word function but 'i' could be used instead and so the x could be done away with. eg:

Right on both counts. And actually converted mine afterwards without the x....blame the lack of "midnight oil" of late. :)

Could not think of your other, simpler method at that hour either...figured there would be one---glad you jumped in.

[KDR]

Re: Breakup / recombine name fields into dropdown list?

Thank you both, gentlemen. That simple solution is very nice, Tim.