Field rule doesn't work

[Ronald Anusiewicz]

I have a defaults table that holds only one record. This record has numerous fields that set defaults for
various forms and reports.

I'm trying to set the field rules for a set.

When the user is entering data in a form, as the cursor enters a specific field, I want the default value to be
a lookup from the defaults table. It refuses to work.

I've gone to field rules, data entry, default mode, simple default expression. I enter the formula:
lookupc("F",Acno,"tailnumber","defaults.dbf","tailnumber"). This expression evalutes properly.

Yet, when I do data entry, the default comes up blank. I know this lookup function works in reports. This
same lookup works if I place it in the lookups tab using previous values.

Using the previous value lookup is ugly and it works like a table where the item must be selected. This requires at least 3 more key strokes. It's not clean, it's unprofessional.

I've used this technique many times in Alpha 4 and it works just fine. It allows the user to just press the
enter key and move throught the fields.

What am I doing wrong?

Frustrated, trying to be, Alpha 4 convert

[Stan Mathews]

RE: Field rule doesn't work

"I'm trying to set the field rules for a set."

There are no set field rules in Alpha Five v4.5, field rules must be designed at the table level.

Did you try creating your lookup on the lookup tab (three tabs to the right of the data entry tab)? Not sure why your expression wouldn't work in the defaults expression.

[Bill Warner]

RE: Field rule doesn't work

Here's a possible reason:

You're relying on the value of ACNO to retrieve a value from the lookup table. If this value is NOT determined prior to starting the enter, then default field must wait until the record is saved to know what value to use in the LOOKUP expression. If you go to that field AFTER you have entered the value in ACNO, the default value should appear. However, if you don't go to it during the data entry, the field will remain blank.

However, there is a solution. If the field rules for that field, look below the box in which you defined the value. Check the box that says, "At end of enter, set default value if not touched by user". This will insert the value when you save the record.

[Ken L Herrold]

RE: Field rule doesn't work

Ron - for what it may be worth, here's my 2 cents.

What you're trying is strangely familiar to me as I've just found a way in a prop mgt program I'm building.

The default value DOES appear in the field which has a FR lookup attached [no 'automatically pop up option'] as Stan describes. 'Just pressing [enter]' provides movement to the next field AS WELL AS the filling of other fields mapped in the lookup. Works really slick - the popup form never displays.

I'm as new and jerked over from A4 as you are and this is the lookup function and syntax I used. Please don't ask why. It was probably the first one I found in the list.

LOOKUPC("F",TENID, "ID", "Prop.DBF","tenum")

Let me know, I'll post a zipper of the whole bag.

Ken

[Ken L Herrold]

RE: Field rule doesn't work

Ron:

Bill and I were answering at the same time, apparently. He, too, is right. Your 'Acno' field must have a value BEFORE the lookup fires. In my example, the 'TENID' field already has user input before the subject default value field is entered by the user. What amazes me is that Alpha uses that value as though the current record was saved and not in entry mode. I'm really happy with that.

Just some more stuff....

Ken

[Ronald Anusiewicz]

RE: Field rule doesn't work

Bill & Ken,

I was using the wrong lookup function. This is what I ended up with.

LOOKUP("defaults.dbf","1=1","tailnumber")

Because the defaults table is limited to only one record, I put in "1=1".

This works just the way I want it to.

Thanks guys,

Ron

[Ken L Herrold]

RE: Field rule doesn't work

Ron:

F E E L S G O O D when you finally get one of those...


A L P H A [5] O N ! ! !

Ken