major exist() error

[martinwcole]

I have checked this thoroughly,

exist() apparently uses a query instead of an index, as advertised. The first time I try it, it works correctly, but the second time I try it (using the same record) it finds the previous value - i.e., it is not using the actual data/index - it is using a query that is not updated.

If I close the form, and then reopen it again, it will work the same way.

here is the script:

 
if exist(ssn.value,"patients","ssnumber")
  ans=lookupc("F",ssn.value,"fullname","patients","ssnumber")
  msgbox("Error","That SS# belongs to  [" + alltrim(ans) + "]  who is already in the system - reenter or 'Cancel' and click on 'New Case' instead!",16)
  msgbox("","button")  
  end 
 end if

I know the index is correct, as I have abandoned exist() and opened the table and checked manually, correctly.

[martinwcole]

Re: major exist() error

I'm having the same thing happen with dbcount() - although tablecount() works

apparently Alpha is using a query if one exists instead of a query when you use dbcount() or exist()

[Tom Cone Jr]

Re: major exist() error

it finds the previous value

I don't follow.

Exist() doesn't move the record pointer. It simply returns true or false. If you input the same parameters I'd expect the same logical result. i.e. the previously reported logical value should be the same.

If the exist() function runs a query, have you opened the default form for the table immediately after using the function to determine if the view is still filtered?

-- tom

[martinwcole]

Re: major exist() error

The client opens a form and enters a value and I use the script to check for its existance - they change, and save it - they realize they changed the wrong one - they go back, change it back to what it was - exist() fails.

dbcount() fails basically the same way, whereas tablecount does not

[Tom Cone Jr]

Re: major exist() error

Martin, you're describing sequences that are not shown in the script you've posted. A working example with step by step instructions for us to follow would permit us to verify the behavior you're seeing.

Without being able to see the entire sequence first hand, I might question whether the index is being updated correctly (or quickly enough). I don't think the sequence you're describing involves any queries.

When you say

"... exist() fails"

can you be more specific ? Does it fail to find the new (incorrect) value? or does it fail to find the original value which has by now been changed?

-- tom

[G Gabriel]

Re: major exist() error

Martin:
You are correct in that there is a problem, but I do not think the culprit is exists() but rather lookup().

I have trouble with lookup("F",...) or "L" and tend not to use them.

[G Gabriel]

Re: major exist() error

Since SSN's are unique, I'd use:
lookup("C",.....). Unlike others, I never had a problem with "C".

[Al Buchholz]

Re: major exist() error

Since SSN's are unique,

Not a good assumption. SSN's are not unique.

Almost, but not quite... Usually SSN + DateOfBirth + Name is unique.

[G Gabriel]

Re: major exist() error

Al:
That's news to me!
You mean somebody else could have my SSN?

[Al Buchholz]

Re: major exist() error

Al:
That's news to me!
You mean somebody else could have my SSN?

Yes it's possible. Having worked on retirement systems, a few duplicates have appeared. It's not a major issue, but unique it ain't.

It's also why(amount other reasons) you should check your Social Security account every so often. You should be sure that all of your credits are going to you - or perhaps you are getting someone elses....

http://www.ssa.gov/

[G Gabriel]

Re: major exist() error

Well.. the government might have duplicates, but let's hope Martin or any one dealing with SSN checks to make sure he has unique numbers in his table.

Don't see how it could happen with the government unless the system was developed by the Cartel IT, Inc.

[Bob Arbuthnot]

Re: major exist() error

Gabriel,

You're kidding, I hope.

Don't see how it could happen with the government

!!! ??? !!!

Do you have a different government than I do? Especially with the government, if it can be screwed up, they're the ones for the job.

Sorry, this post has nothing to do with A5, I just couldn't keep it in.

Bob Arbuthnot