Need help with code-label printing

[jeffaward]

Disclaimer: I have not worked with A5 code for probably 5 years maybe longer. I was completely inexperienced when I started but managed to created some useful scripts, although flawed initially but straightened out by the forums, but honestly never had to go very deep into code to get my database to function properly. (Why we picked A5 to begin with :)

With that being said, here is what I am looking to do. I would like to create a script that asks the user for a starting number and an ending number. I would like it to populate a table with the starting number, then each field after that is populated with that number added to a multiple of 25 until the ending number is reached. My table is set up with 2 fields, 1 that the script is to fill based on the users information and another that is an auto calculated field of the first number + 24. The table will ultimately look like this

User Calc
101 125
126 150
151 175 etc.

The best I can put together right now is....

dim x as n
dim y as n
dim z as n
dim s as ask_user_variable (not sure if this is valid...starting number)
dim e as ask_user_variable (ending number)
dim t as p (want this to locate the table)

(This is the part I am lost on how to format the code)
open table
(e-s)/25=x (this will define how many steps I have in this process)
y=0 to x (need y to start at 0 then step through by 1 until x is reached)
S+(25y)=z
Put z in "User" field of table
If y is not equal to x, then y+1
If y is equal to x, then close table
end

Any help in logic, mechanics of writing the code, or even suggested reference is greatly appreciated.

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Need help with code-label printing

Hi Jeff,

Have you tried to do this with action scripting? It would be much easier for you.

What the he.. It is a Sunday morning, I'm baby sitting and she is fast asleep!!!

'Create an XDialog dialog box to prompt for parameters.
DIM SHARED first_number as N
DIM SHARED last_number as N
DIM SHARED varC_result as C
ok_button_label = "&OK"
cancel_button_label = "&Cancel"
varC_result = ui_dlg_box("Enter Numbers",<<%dlg%
{region}
Start number:| [%z%.40first_number];
last number:| [%z%.40last_number];
{endregion};
{line=1,0};
{region}
<*15=ok_button_label!OK> <15=cancel_button_label!CANCEL>
{endregion};
%dlg%)

'Execute inline Xbasic code.
dim count as N

count=last_number-first_number

dim tbl as p
tbl=table.open("test")
for x =1 to count

tbl.enter_begin()	

	new_number=first_number+x+24

	tbl.Number=new_number

tbl.enter_end(.t.)
next
tbl=table.close()

[jeffaward]

Re: Need help with code-label printing

Sorry I have been out of the office the last few days. I tried opening the script writing tools and went to active scripting but was a bit confused on where to start. I understand some of the concepts, but am not familiar enough to know which functions will actually work. So for discussion sake, how would one, starting where I am starting, and without your generous offering, use action scripting to achieve the desired result?

For instance, what is the action scripting catagory for the table pointer...or to open/activate a table?

I appreciate any time you are willing to share. Jeff

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Need help with code-label printing

Hi Jeff,

In action scrpting first item to select is Dialog Boxes, see screen shot.

I created two variables, First_Number and Last_Number.

Next is the xbasic code to enter the numer records with 24 added to each value.

There is a table named Test. I have just one field named Number.

I selected the action script as code to show in this thread.

Have a play and let me know what you dont understand.

[jeffaward]

Re: Need help with code-label printing

I think I am now finding my way through action scripting. I noticed when I was entering the ask user variables for starting and ending number that the result variable is VarC_result for both. Do I need to change one of these or does A5 store them separately and this is just a default label?

I am currently working through defining the variable for stepping through the sequence. wish me luck ;)

[Stan Mathews]

Re: Need help with code-label printing

dim x as n
dim y as n
dim z as n
dim s as n
dim e as n
dim t as p 

s = val(ui_get_number("Start at:","Enter a number","1"))
e = val(ui_get_number("Finish at:","Enter a number","100"))
x = (e-s)/25
y = 0 'really not needed since dimming y as n sets it to zero
t = table.open("yourtablename")
t.batch_begin()
while y <= x
             t.enter_begin()
	t.user = S+(25*y)
	t.calc = S+(25*y)+24
	t.enter_end()
	y = y + 1
end while
t.batch_end()
t.close()

[jeffaward]

Re: Need help with code-label printing

I feel like the second smartest man alive, I just used the action scripting, converted to xbasic and blended two steps into 1 and it worked. So the dialog box is now working properly for getting the numbers. On to the next....

[jeffaward]

Re: Need help with code-label printing

Stan, just noticed your reply. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it. I am close on using the action scripting and getting this all together.

[Keith Hubert]

Re: Need help with code-label printing

Hi Jeff,

I knew you were smart because you are using Alpha Software!

I think you have now found out that the VarC_result is for the OK and Cancel buttons. The other variables are your own for the Start and Stop numbers that you want the user to enter values.

Having used Action Script to build your dialog you do not need to convert it to Xbasic. However, it is good to learn from and in time you will find that sometimes, Alpha writes code that is more than is actually needed, given different situations.