derive a default value from a form

[acceptthis]

I have a form that creates a sum. I'd like to derive a default value for another field in the form by using that calculated field. Can someone direct me where to go.
Thanks

[Stan Mathews]

RE: derive a default value from a form

You don't give many details...

Let's assume you have a calculated field defined for the form which provides your "sum". that calculated field on the form has an object name, discoverable through looking at the object's properties. The same applies to the field on the form in which you want to store the sum as a default.

First you have to do is learn these object names and decide when you want the sum to be stored, say when the calculated field's value changes.

Now you know you want to write code for the onchange event, under actions for the source field object, that places the sum value to the target value.

Code will look like:

targetobjectname.value = sourceobjectname.value

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: derive a default value from a form

Brad,

Action Scripting can retrieve either the text or value of the display calc field. The retrieved value could then be written to another field on the form using either text set or value set action script commands.

The trick will be deciding how to attach such a script to your form. You would want to identify an event which will occur at the right time, and not before. An easy place to use during development of your script is a button. Once the script is running correctly there move it to a different event, so that the process is completed without user intervention.

-- tom

[Bill Warner]

RE: derive a default value from a form

Here's another way that doesn't involve scripting. Assuming your "sum" is a field called SUMM in the table that is set as a calc field, and the field for which you want a default value is DEFLT:

In field rules, go to the DEFLT field, and in the Data Entry tab, click on the down arrow in the box that says "no defaults" and select "simple default expression". Then, for the default value, put in SUMM(the name of the "sum" field). Then, below that, click in the box next to "at end of enter, select default value...."

If you want the default value to be something other than the same as DEFLT, you can enter that in the default expression. For example, .5xSUMM would return a value that is half of your sum.

Keep in mind that a default value ONLY works in enter mode. If your "sum" field changes due to editing after the record has been changed, the default field will NOT change.

[acceptthis]

RE: derive a default value from a form

I think I need to do scripting because I've tried using field rules, but the problem is, I have an embedded browse that is in the middle of my form. When I go to enter the bottom half of the form, no default values display.

Thanks though

[acceptthis]

RE: derive a default value from a form

I guess I didn't provide much info because I don't know what to ask. My action scripting is very limitted. Here's more details:

I have a database that helps me make estimates. For each item, I have a certain amount of time that is associated with that item. After I enter all the line items in my form, I use a calculated field [total(BID_ITEM->Ext_Total,GRP->BIDS)] to get the total time (basic estimate).

With that total, have other factors that increase or decrease the total time (ex. soil conditions, elevation conditions, etc.). With the new revised total, I calculate the approximate labor cost.

The problem I'm having is I don't know how to use that revised total for anything except to look at it because it is only visible on the form. If I want to use it for a report, I have to transfer all the calculated fields to a report, or which is what I do now, I manually enter the new total into a new field.

It would be nice to know how to use that calculated field info to place it as a default choice so I don't have to manually enter it. Then I could accept the total it gives me or change the number slightly to what I want.

Maybe I'm in over my head, but I've got the pdf file that comes with the program, and I'm willing to learn. I just don't have the time to read all 500 pages just to change a few fields in my record.

Thanks for your help so far,
Brad

[acceptthis]

RE: derive a default value from a form

thanks,
I'll give it a try.
Brad

[Stan Mathews]

RE: derive a default value from a form

Zip up a sample if the data is not confidential and attach it here. Someone, usually more than one, will download it, design a suggested course of action, and send it back to you.

[acceptthis]

RE: derive a default value from a form

Thanks,
I'll delete some of the important stuff and send it.