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Case Statement in Expression Builder

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    Case Statement in Expression Builder

    Does any one have any idea why this CASE Statement will not work in the Expression Builder?

    Here's what I am trying to accomplish:

    Each person can have a Prefix (Mr. Mrs. Dr...), a First Name, a Middle Name, a Last Name and a Suffix (Jr, Sr).

    I am trying to create a calculated field (Full Name) in the field rules of the table in question.

    The problem is that some people do not have a middle name and some do not have a suffix.

    Here's the beginning of the expression I am trying to build...

    Code:
    case(isblank(Middle_Name).AND.isblank(Suffix),alltrim(Prefix)+" "+alltrim(First_Name)+" "+alltrim(Last_Name),isblank(Middle_Name).AND.isnotblank(Suffix),alltrim(First_Name)+" "+alltrim(Last_Name)+" "+alltrim(Suffix))
    Any insight would be most appreciated.

    Kindest Regards,

    Louis
    Last edited by Louis Nickerson; 08-23-2009, 08:00 PM.

    #2
    Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

    Louis -

    I know someone else will help with the expression, so I'll leave that alone.

    But a hint that might help:

    When you have an expression that's relatively complex, but you can't make work, build a function in XBasic to do the work. That's easier to trace/debug, gives you plenty of room for your logic, etc. A big time-saver over trying to keep your eyes focused on this kinda thing.
    -Steve
    sigpic

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

      May be better off with an if statement. try

      If(isblank(Middle_Name).AND.isblank(Suffix),alltrim(Prefix)+" "+alltrim(First_Name)+" "+alltrim(Last_Name),IF(isblank(Middle_Name).AND.isnotblank(Suffix),alltrim(First_Name)+" "+alltrim(Last_Name)+" "+alltrim(Suffix),""))

      What that attempts to to is

      If(statement1 is true,Result,If(statement2 is true,result,"")) - Blank if both statements are false

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

        Steve,

        Thank you for your reply.

        I did notice that I'm missing a closing parenthesis in the expression, but that isn't what is causing the problem.

        I am an avid proponent of writing functions and agree that things can be better evaluated in that environment.

        My concern is that the expression builder doesn't seem to be handling even the most basic of expressions. Sure, if I specify a field name, it works, but if I try to make it conditional using a "case" or "if" statement, it just treats me like I'm nuts. Maybe I am...but I could swear I've done this in the past with no problems.

        Thanks again !

        Louis

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

          Originally posted by Louis Nickerson View Post
          Does any one have any idea why this CASE Statement will not work
          It is not the case statement.
          When using isblank() or isnotblank(), you need to enclose the fields' names in quotation.

          And as an aside (or two).. this case() statement could be slimmed and trimmed and shuffled around for much better efficiency. But that's a long story and the subject of a whole new thread.

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

            Mark,

            Thank you for your response.

            I prefer "If" statements to the Case function. I know that case is easier to code, but for me at least, it's easier to decipher a nicely written IF statement.

            That being said, My first attempt at this was using an IF statement very much like your example.

            I even tried your statement (see the attached screen shot) to no avail.

            Thanks

            Louis

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

              Using the the ifblank you must encase the firld with quotes - "field name". It wil not work if you do not.

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

                Gabe...

                Well, color me embarrassed !

                I have been using CASE for years and never run into this. I guess even at my old age, we can still learn something every day.

                Thanks to all who replied.

                Louis

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

                  It happens in the best families.
                  Unlike most, why this particular functions require fields in quotation?
                  Somebody had a vendetta or a bad hair day.
                  Last edited by G Gabriel; 08-23-2009, 08:26 PM.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

                    I agree...the requirement for field names to be quoted is odd.

                    Oh well, they have to do something to keep us on out toes.

                    Thanks again for your help.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

                      Hey Gabe,

                      You just made me a Certified Alphaholic. Thanks, was it good for you?

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Re: Case Statement in Expression Builder

                        Yes.. but I don't like this alphaholic thing.. I have enough mental problems I don't need any more.

                        Comment

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