Linking Field Question

[forskare]

When using a separate form (based on another table) for data entry, how does one get the linking field data from the parent table to the child table? I created the form based on the set but the the linking field data does not appear.

This is my code:

:Form.load("NewAcctEntrySF")
:NewAcctEntrySF.new_record()
:NewAcctEntrySF.show()
:NewAcctEntrySF.activate()

Thanks,

kenn

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Linking Field Question

Hi Ken,

You say the data entry form is based on another table.

You also say the form is based on a set.

Sorry, chief. You can't have it both ways. You have to come clean. Which is it?


-- tom

[JerryBrightbill]

RE: Linking Field Question

Ken,

One simple way is to pass the value as an object value. Place the linking field for the child table as an object on the new child form. It can be hidden. For example purposes, suppose the link field is called "link". The default name for the field object will be "link". Now, you need to get the value for the link field from the calling parent record before you open the child form.

tbl = table.current()
org_link = tbl.link ' (assuming link is the field name in both tables)

Add the following line after the new_record() line

:NewAcctEntrySF:line.value = org_link

This will fill in the object "link" with the value saved as org_link. You can also use global variables to pass the values, but I prefer this method.

Jerry

[JohnZaleski]

RE: Linking Field Question

Ken,
I'm assuming that you are entering a set's line items into a table but instead of directly entering them into an embedded browse you are opening a separate form for the record additions.( I like this method )

You could define a global varaiable (v_invoice_no) and put the invoice number from the header recordin into this variable prior to opening the line item data entry form. In the "on enter" event of the form you could have something like:
invoice_no.value = var->v_invoice_no
John

[forskare]

RE: Linking Field Question

Tom,

Sorry for the confusion. I've created two forms for T&E; one based on the set and one based on the child table only. The same code was palced on the buttons which open the forms.

Additionally, the code opens two instances of the form so I 'ed out the show() on one and the activate() on the other. Now, only one instance of the form opens for each.

Thanks,

kenn

[forskare]

RE: Linking Field Question

John,

Close. The main form is based on the set and contains fields from the parent table as well as an embedded browse (w/only 3 fields, read only) from the child table. There are too many fields in the child table to efficiently do data entry in a browse so a dialog form is needed.

Then, in edit mode of the child form based on the set,I created a global variable called v_case_numbr. In the form's OnEnter event, I placed case_numbr.value=var->v_case_numbr. I get no error messages but no case numbr as well.

Thanks,

kenn

[forskare]

RE: Linking Field Question

Jerry,

where does this go?

tbl = table.current()
org_link = tbl.link ' (assuming link is the field name in both tables)

I placed it in the OnEnter event of the case_numbr field of the child form. (Link field in both tables is: case_numbr)

I get the error message: :NewAcctEntrySF:line.value = org_link not found. Obviously I haven't put this where that should be.

Thanks,

kenn

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Linking Field Question

Ken, no apology is needed. There are several ways to pass information from one form to another. I can think of three, and there may be more:

1) store the link field value in a global variable in the calling form; then declare the same global variable in the called form, and assign its value to the link field as new records are added there.

2) load the called form, and before showing it, manipulate an object located on that form by assigning the link field value to it... then show the form. The value passed to the called form can then be assigned to the link field as new records are added there.

3) arrange for the called form to 'look back' to the calling form, and retrieve values from objects on that form. This would be done in a script which runs when the called form is opened.

This subject comes up from time to time. Maybe someone could demo all three approaches for the Code Archive... ?

-- tom

[JerryBrightbill]

RE: Linking Field Question

Ken,

Try this on the script that loads the child form:

tbl = table.current()
org_link = tbl.link
:Form.load("NewAcctEntrySF")
:NewAcctEntrySF.new_record()
:NewAcctEntrySF:link.value = org_link
:NewAcctEntrySF.show()
:NewAcctEntrySF.activate()

Of course, this will only work if table.current() returns the parent table, the linking field is "link" for both parent and child, and there is an object called "link" on the form for the child which refers to the child field link. I just tested this on some dummy forms and it works.

Jerry

[forskare]

RE: Linking Field Question

Tom,

Thanks,

Yes, I agree, a demo would be most helpful. I'm not sure I understand just how it's done. I want to take a run at it but can't get at it till later tonight or tomorrow. Heading to see the grandkids for the weekend. Fortunately, they've got a computer so won't have to go through withdrawals. I emailed my app so it's there already. I've got a 4 hr drive and, Hmmmmmm, wonder if I can email me???

Someday, maybe.

Thanks,

kenn

[Tom Patten]

RE: Linking Field Question

I hope someone will take the time to demonstrate all three ways and place it in the code archives. I also have trouble with this, and usually end up piecing something together that works, but probably not using doing it "right".

TIA

Tom

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Linking Field Question

Tom, I don't claim that it's 'right' but check the code archive, for an example I've just created and posted.

-- tom