Almost There

[forskare]

This is in reference to a previous thread re: the font equation on a checkbox field not working. Tom Cone suggested a work around.

I copied the code, created a variable and changed a few names to protect the innocent. It does change the color and font size, etc. but even though the record is saved before and during the close of the form, when the form is repopened, the checkbox is reset to False. It's as if someone changed the check mark from .t. to .f..

Any idea what's causing the record to reset the checkbox to .F. when closing or opening the form?

Thanks,

kenn

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Almost There

Ken,

check the properties of the variable, and the onInit event for the form. either or both might be setting the value false ... this is how I did it on my example...

-- tom

[forskare]

RE: Almost There

Tom,

I checked your example form's Oninit event as well as all the form's events and found no code. I also checked the variable's properties and don't see where a default setting could be placed. (Incidently, the same thing happens with your example)

All I copied was the code and then simply changed the names. Since I didn't use your form and I created a variable, I don't understand how this could affect my form or variable.

It's got to be in the code so I tried commenting out the last line (refresh). That had no effect.

What else might I try on this treasure hunt?

Thanks much,

kenn

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Almost There

Ken, my memory let me down.

The example I posted was called colortest3.zip. It contained one form. That form contained one checkbox, called Checkbox1. The checkbox was based on a variable called Test2, which I set false in the definition of the variable for this layout. This explains why my form always shows the checkbox as false when it first opens. The var is being set false by Alpha Five when the form opens. This much I remembered correctly. However, it's not being done in the OnInit script for the form, it's being done by the variable definition.

In your case it sounds as though one of two things is happening:

1) the logical field in your table contains the right value, but the form is displaying the wrong value. This could be caused by a corrupted form I suppose. More likely it's a problem with scripts in the form. Something in OnInit, OnActivate, or OnFetch that's stuffing a false value into your field. If this is happening it should force your record into change mode. If you close the form do you get a prompt to save changes even if you haven't made any changes on purpose?

or

2) the checkbox is displaying the correct value from your table, but it's different than you are expecting because a field rule is stuffing a false value into the field.


I'd have to see the database to troubleshoot this further.

-- tom

[forskare]

RE: Almost There

Tom,

My Close button had code built in to prompt for saving the record so I commented it out and created a close button w/the genie. The result; No, I am not prompted to save the record.

This is my code on the OnInit event. I commented out the last 3 lines but that didn't solve the problem.

t = table.current()

''
'' Get the current record count
''
i = t.index_primary_get()
count = i.records_get()

''
'' If there are no records then disable change/enter
''
if count = 0
topparent.allow_change(.F.)
end if
-----------------------------
Cancel() is the code on the CanExit event but that is to disable the x (close) and I did comment it out but again, nothing.
--------------------------------
this.resynch()_ is on the OnActivate event. Again, nochange.
------------------------------
That's all the code on the form.

I created a checkbox field on the form (not a variable) and put the code in the OnChange event for a trial run. Interesting thing happens; The code makes the proper changes, I save the record and then close the form. When I re-enter, the checkbox value is still .t. but the font is back to default.

Thanks,

kenn

[Steve Dentler]

RE: Almost There

Ken,
To my knowledge, check boxes have never worked. I posted a bug report about this in version three (I think Eisenhower had just taken office). For example, put a cancel() command in the CanArrive event of your check box--should prevent user-entry under any circumstances. I think you'll find that it fails. Same with color equations.

I've been coding my own check boxes for so long, I'd almost forgotten about this. BTW, version five.....same thing. But who knows, could be working its way up the bug list.

[forskare]

RE: Almost There

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the info. For me, the color equation has always worked. It's the font equation that doesn't work.

However, in this situation, I've been using code that Tom Cone supplied (Attached zip file on above post). I doubt there is anything wrong with the code cause it's pretty basic and does work very well. The problem is that even after saving the record, closing and then opening the form, the checkbox reverts back to it's original state (if it was created with a variable). If it was created with the tool bar, it will stay .t. but the code doesn't stay put, if ya know what I mean.

kenn

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Almost There

Ken,

why not post a working model here so we can see what you're talking about.

In some of your posts I got the impression you were setting the checkbox with a field value from your table, now it sounds like you're using a variable on the form.

You're describing a disconnect between values in the table and values displayed on the form through the checkbox, and we need to see how you have got it lashed together.

-- tom

[forskare]

RE: Almost There

Tom,

The reason why the checkbox was resetting to .f. was because of the default valure of .F. in the variable setup (clicking V on the icon bar). Once I deleted the F, it now saves the value when it's checked to .t..

The code works when the checkbox is checked to .t., but when going to design view or closing the form, the code disengages.

Attached is the zip file you sent. Notice the checkbox will now retain the .t. value. When you open the form, if the checkbox is already checked to .t., notice the code for the font is disengaged. Click the check box to .t.. Notice the font is engaged. Save the record. Go to design view or close and reopen the form. Notice the code is now disengaged.

Thanks,

kenn

[forskare]

RE: Almost There

Oooops,

Forgot the file so it's here.

kenn

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Almost There

Ken,

I took a look at your file.

I am glad you agree with what I said earlier. The variable Test2 was being set
false when the form opens because of the way the variable is setup. You've
now changed it to a default value of True, which is fine.

I am not familiar with the concept of code disengaging, but my guess is that
when you say 'the code disengages' you mean that the color and
font of the checkbox no longer match the current value of the variable. This is
noticed when the form initially opens, or on returning from design mode.

Even though you don't say so, it's beginning to sound like you want the checkbox to be
set a particular way when the form opens. This should be very easy.

It's not happening now because the only code in the form that affects the color
and font properties of the checkbox object is in the OnChange event of that object.

Since the checkbox doesn't 'change' when you open the form, the OnChange event
doesn't fire. Similarly, it won't fire when the user fetches another record, or returns
from design mode. The onChange event of the checkbox fires when the user checks
or unchecks it. when this happens the color and font script seems to work ok.

So, why not use the OnInit event of the form to:

a) set the desired beginning value of the Test2 variable; and
b) set the desired font and color scheme for the checkbox ???

I would replicate the OnInit code in the OnActivate event for the form, too.

In each case the script used in the OnChange event for the checkbox object may be a
good starting point. It may have to be modified because the context is different, of
course. In the OnChange event focus is on the checkbox. In the OnInit and OnActivate
events, the focus is on the form, instead.

You may also want to re-set the value of the Test2 variable when the user pushes
the Save button, and will need to repaint the checkbox object then, too. Again,
pay attention to the context of the OnPush event for that button. It's different
from the checkbox and it's different from the form.

Have fun!

-- tom

[forskare]

RE: Almost There

Tom,

...Even though you don't say so, it's beginning to sound like you want the checkbox to be set a particular way when the form opens...

No, it only is to change when the checkbox is clicked to .t.. As long as the value is .t., the color and font should remain.

I'll work with the rest of your suggestions and see what I come up with. It's too bad the font equation of the checkbox doesn't work. Life, in regard to the checkbox, would be so much easier.

Thanks much,

kenn

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Almost There


Ken,

We're talking at cross purposes.

You say:

...it only is to change when the checkbox is clicked to .t.. As long as the value is .t., the color and font should remain...

To me this definitely means you DO want the checkbox to be set in a particular way when the form opens. Since the value of the form level variable is not being saved when the form closes, it is likely the form level variable is being re-set each time the form opens, I think you may need to take that into consideration and paint the checkbox to suit each time the form opens. For example, if the user sets the variable false, and then closes the form you might want the form to open up the next time with the variable false and the checkbox painted accordingly. To do this you'd have to save off the variable value somewhere, read it back in when the form opens next time, and adjust (repaint) the checkbox accordingly. Similarly, if the user sets the var true, you might want the form to open up the next time with the variable true, and the checkbox painted accordingly.

-- tom

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Almost There

Ken,

The checkbox behaves better on form load if you simply copy the onChange event script for the Checkbox and paste it into the onActivate event for the form itself. No other edits required.

The effect of this is to set the color and font of the checkbox when the form is activated, using color and options that vary according to whether variable Test2 is true or false. Thereafter, each time the checkbox is changed the variable is re-set, and the onchange event for the checkbox repaints the control.

-- tom

[forskare]

RE: Almost There

Hi Tom,

Took a brief break from Saturday chores (more like a 'honey dooo') to check the board. I tried your suggestion and it works beautifully. You went above and beyond the call of duty.

Thank you very much. Your efforts are well appreciated!!!

kenn