Using Wildcard w/Variables

[Robert Fishell]

Is there a way to use the wildcard "*" when using the �Variable Ask User� function in a report. I have a number of reports that run based on the contents of either one or multiple fields. Since users sometime don't enter data uniquely (can you imagine) it would be nice to be able to use the Wildcard to find all of the data that I�m looking for. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bob

[JohnZaleski]

RE: Using Wildcard w/Variables

Robert,

Check out the SMATCH functions. You might be able to do what you want using these functions with "OR"'s rather than "AND"'s in the report detail filter. There are two SMATCH functions, one for character fields and one for memos. I think the functions return a true if all of one string is found in another string or field value.

[Jim Chapman]

RE: Using Wildcard w/Variables

Hi Robert,

>>Is there a way to use the wildcard "*" when using the �Variable Ask User� function in a report

[Bill Warner]

RE: Using Wildcard w/Variables

I would agree with John Zaleski's approach - get some information from the variable, then use that in a filter in the report. There is also a very slick function you can use that is similar to SMATCH but I find to be easier. Here's an example:

In the ask variable, set the value to a global variable. Let's say the value is "ABC". Now, in the report filter, use this function:

"ABC"$FIELD_NAME

This means that the program will find the string ABC in the field FIELD_NAME. (This is the same as the A4 function *ANY).

You have to be a little careful, since it will find the string ANYWHERE in the field.

Another approach would be to use:

*FIRST(FIELD_NAME,"ABC"), which will find the string ONLY if it is at the beginning of the field. One tip about this method - if you wanted to find the name ABC but NOT ABCDE, have the user put ABC plus a space in the prompt box. this will prevent the filter from finding ABCDE.

[Robert Fishell]

RE: Using Wildcard w/Variables

Thanks to All:

Let's see if I got the picture here. I can set the ask_user variable within the report as a calculated field, then set the records filter using this calculated variable field with the *ANY or SMATCH functions. I'll try that today and see what happens and let you know.

Does anyone know why we can use the wildcard in the query by form, which in my mind is similar, and not in the ask_user function. They seem to be the same to me.

Anyway, thanks for all the input.

Bob

[Robert Fishell]

RE: Using Wildcard w/Variables

Bill:

The *ANY function works fine. I created a calculate field that asks for a character input. That looks like:

"What_Item" = VAR->ASKC_What_Item_

Then in the Report Details - Filter I set the following condition:

*ANY(Field_Name,Calc->What_Item).AND.--- (any other conditions you need)

It works fine. It will find all records that have any string of data that you enter in the variable field. It does appear to be case sensitive however for characters.

Thanks for your help. This is a great find.

Best:

Bob Fishell

[Mick Magnuson]

RE: Using Wildcard w/Variables

I use wildcards with ASK variables in many of my reports and forms. Altho I don't use the genie, but write the expression. Lets say I only want a report of customers that start with "MA" since the first of the year.

dtoc(date)>"01/01/00".and.smatch((customer),Var->Askc_Name_+"*")

If you want any occurance of the variable you would add another "*"+ before the variable, and only occurances that end with the variable, remove the trailing +"*"

[Robert Fishell]

RE: Using Wildcard w/Variables

Mick:

Thanks. Never thought of that approach. I'll try that one also.

I have noticed that this type of variable search can't find those fields which are blank. I needed to run a seperate report to handle those occasion. Otherwise it's working great.

Thanks to all for the input.

Bob